Department for Transport

Northern Rail Franchise

Mrs Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the renationalisation of Northern Rail.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The financial impact on public funds from the Northern rail franchise being taken into public ownership on 1st March 2020 has not yet been finalised. Financial impacts will include any additional subsidy necessary to deliver current rail services above the cost contracted in 2015.

Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions

Feryal Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, in what circumstances the power to recall vehicles proposed in the Environment Bill would be used.

George Freeman: The proposed power would enable the Government to compel manufacturers to recall road vehicles, and non-road mobile machinery, if they are found not to comply with the environmental standards which they are required to meet by law. The Government will set out how the regime will operate in full in secondary legislation.

Rolling Stock: Procurement

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which criteria his Department uses to assess the socio-economic effect of public procurement of rolling stock.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department considers the case for the procurement of rolling stock in line with the principles set out in the Government’s Green Book guidance on appraisal and evaluation, and the Business Case Guidance for Projects (available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-green-book-appraisal-and-evaluation-in-central-governent). The socio-economic effects of a project are assessed within the Economic Case, with the project’s impacts on individuals and the environment, for example. The Department for Transport’s Appraisal Guidance (TAG) (available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-analysis-guidance-webtag) sets out the guidance for producing an Economic Case.

Network Rail: Debts

Andy McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 3 February 2020 to Question 8313, for what reason he did not include Network Rail debt within the scope of the Government rail review being undertaken by Keith Williams.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Government established the Williams Rail Review to develop recommendations for the most appropriate organisational and commercial frameworks to deliver the Government’s vision of a world-class railway that prioritises the interests of customers and taxpayers. The Government has not constrained the Rail Review from considering Network Rail debt. A White Paper based on the Williams Rail Review’s recommendations will be published in early 2020.

Railways

Andy McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the ability of Network Rail to secure the supply of sleepers in control periods (a) 6 and (b) 7.

Chris Heaton-Harris: Network Rail’s inventory of sleepers has been increased over the last 12 months to a position where it has guaranteed supply to meet predicted demand until the end of 2023. Network Rail are currently developing options to secure supply beyond that date.

Motorways: Safety

Mrs Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he make an assessment of the potential merits on introducing (a) training and (b) public service advertisements for motorists on the safe use of smart motorways.

George Freeman: I want our motorways to be as safe as possible. That is why the Secretary of State asked the Department to carry out an evidence stocktake to gather the facts about the safety of smart motorways and make recommendations. The Department will present the findings of the stocktake shortly. While I would not want to pre-judge the results of that work, what I can say is that we will continue to prioritise improving safety – making conditions safer for everyone on our roads. The Roads Minister will write to you as soon as the stocktake is completed to answer your specific question.

Driving under Influence

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to reduce the drink driving limit.

George Freeman: There are no immediate plans to lower the drink drive limit in England and Wales. The Government believes that rigorous enforcement and serious penalties for drink drivers are a more effective deterrent than changing the drink driving limit.

Driving under Influence: Scotland

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has plans to devolve the powers to vary penalties for the offence of drink driving to the Scottish Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

George Freeman: The Scotland Act 2012 provided amendments to the original 1998 Scotland Act which included devolving the power to prescribe drink driving limits in Scotland. There are currently no plans to devolve the powers to vary penalties.

Roads: Kent

Tom Tugendhat: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what additional highway funding Kent county council is able to access to tackle increased pressure on the county road network as a result of its proximity to mainland Europe.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department for Transport has allocated Kent county council a total of £34.45m of additional funding in the last two years in recognition of the particular pressures on the County’s road network due the flow of freight traffic to the short strait crossings. This funding was allocated in particular in the context of the development of the Operation Brock traffic management plan, and it has enabled work to improve the resilience of roads that could come under increased pressure in the event of cross-channel disruption.We will continue to work closely with the Kent resilience forum and other local resilience forums to monitor the situation, including reviewing any additional funding requirements.

Trains: Hydrogen

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to transition the self-powered train fleet from diesel to hydrogen.

George Freeman: The Government supports the use of hydrogen trains on the railway where appropriate to deliver our legally binding target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from the UK by 2050. Network Rail is developing a Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy which will examine which parts of the network are best suited to use of hydrogen trains, as well as battery and electrification. This will inform Government decisions in 2020. Our innovation programmes have supported the development of hydrogen technology, such as the ‘Hydroflex’ train, and continue to provide funding opportunities for innovative environmental projects. The Government is also funding work on safety and wider issues that will have to be considered to allow the smooth entry into service on the network of hydrogen trains.

Rolling Stock: Manufacturing Industries

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of whether rolling stock procurement regulations support UK manufacturers.

Chris Heaton-Harris: Rolling stock procurement in the UK is undertaken through a competitive process by franchised or open access train operators who must act without discrimination and in a transparent manner. The Government continues to remain supportive of a competitive UK rolling stock manufacturing market that delivers benefits for both the economy and passengers.

Electric Vehicles

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many electric cars were purchased in each NUTS region in 2019.

George Freeman: The number of new registrations of battery electric cars in the first nine months of 2019 in the UK are provided in the table below.NUTS CodeNUTS NameNew Registrations: January to September 2019UKCNorth East375UKDNorth West1,533UKEYorkshire and The Humber1,789UKFEast Midlands1,225UKGWest Midlands3,591UKHEast of England2,820UKILondon3,308UKJSouth East5,552UKKSouth West2,274UKLWales566UKMScotland1,818UKNNorthern Ireland313 Unknown7

South Western Rail Franchise

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies on the South Western Railway franchise of Transport Focus's National Rail Passenger Survey published in February 2020.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department uses the results of the National Rail Passenger Survey (NRPS) to monitor the performance of all franchised TOCs, including South Western Railway. The most recent NRPS results published in January 2020 are currently being assessed by officials in relation to the specific NRPS benchmarks for South Western Railway as outlined in Schedule 7.2 of the Franchise Agreement.

South Western Rail Franchise

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to take South Western Railway into public ownership.

Chris Heaton-Harris: As confirmed in the written ministerial statement on 22 January 2020, the Department is preparing contingency plans for South Western Railway (SWR). Options include a new short-term contract with SWR, with tightly defined performance requirements; or transferring the operation to the Operator of Last Resort, a public sector operator wholly owned by the Department. The Department will evaluate both options to determine how best to secure the continuation of passenger services on this part of the network.

South Western Rail Franchise

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to Transport Focus's National Rail Passenger Survey, published in February 2020, what assessment he has made of the value for money of the services provided by South Western Railway.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department uses the results of the National Rail Passenger Survey (NRPS) to monitor the performance of all franchised TOCs, including South Western Railway (SWR). The most recent NRPS results published in January 2020 are currently being assessed by officials in relation to the specific NRPS benchmarks for SWR as outlined in Schedule 7.2 of the Franchise Agreement.

South Western Rail Franchise

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to Transport Focus's National Rail Passenger Survey, published in February 2020, what assessment he has made of the environmental sustainability of the services provided by South Western Railway.

Chris Heaton-Harris: South Western Railways’ (SWR) Franchise Agreement contains provisions that incentivise SWR to reduce its environmental impact, reduce waste and improve on recycling. Challenging annual environmental targets have been set and officials frequently monitor SWR’s performance against these targets. Where SWR fail to meet the targets, they must produce an improvement plan which is capable of achieving the targets set out within the Franchise Agreement.

South Western Rail Franchise

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps his Department has taken to improve services on South Western Railway.

Chris Heaton-Harris: South Western Railways’ (SWR) Franchise Agreement contains provisions that incentivises South Western Railway to improve its own performance and to work jointly with Network Rail. Challenging targets for performance have been set and where performance falls below expected levels, SWR is required to invest additional sums of money into initiatives to address the causes of the poor performance. Officials and I continue to closely monitor SWR’s performance and are currently in the process of finalising a Remedial Agreement.

Railways: Veterans

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what identification veterans will need to provide to receive the veterans railcard.

Chris Heaton-Harris: Whilst those who have left the Armed Forces since December 2018 are likely to have a Veteran’s Recognition Card and will be able to use this to verify their status, not everyone will. We will accept a range of documents that a veteran is likely to have, and the specific details will be set out as part of the railcard application process.

Electric Vehicles: Charging Points

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on increasing the roll-out of rapid charging points for electric vehicles in Wales.

George Freeman: Government collaboration with the devolved administrations and local authorities is crucial to facilitating the transition to zero emission vehicles and addressing local air quality issues. Regular discussions about rapid chargepoints, as well as other measures to support electric vehicles, are held on an ongoing basis with the Welsh Government. The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) had a Devolved Authority (DA) Roundtable in November 2019 with officials from all DAs, where we discussed progress and shared lessons, including around rapid chargepoint rollout. OLEV are working with Welsh officials to organise a workshop in Wales, where local authorities can hear about and discuss best practice to supporting Zero Emission Vehicle uptake in their areas.

Gatwick Express Railway Line: Fares

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect on people with disabilities of reducing the price of off-peak Gatwick Express tickets between Brighton and London to the equivalent cost of a Southern ticket during the upgrade work to Gatwick airport railway station, when Southern off-peak services from London Victoria will not run direct; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The industry is working on developing a passenger handling plan and will prioritise its responsibilities regarding accessibility, making necessary provisions to support the limited number of passengers whose journeys will be affected by the changes. In addition to this, GTR will be extending the Super Off-Peak and Kids for £2 Southern fare products to be eligible on Gatwick Express services from Brighton for the duration of the Gatwick Station works

A47

James Wild: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the planned dates for start of (a) construction and (b) completion were for each of the six A47 improvement schemes under the Roads Investment Strategy at the time that strategy was published; and what the status is of each of those schemes.

Chris Heaton-Harris: As part of the first Roads Investment Strategy, the six A47 improvement schemes were due to start construction in 2019/20. In 2017 we announced that some adjustments were made to the sequencing of scheme delivery across the Road Investment Strategy programme, which moved five of the six A47 schemes into the second Road Investment Strategy period which will run from 2020 to 2025. The A47 schemes represent the biggest one-time investment in the A47. The sixth scheme is the A47 Great Yarmouth Junctions. The scope of the A47 Great Yarmouth Junctions scheme is under review in light of the new Great Yarmouth third river crossing. Originally, this proposed to improve the Vauxhall and Gapton roundabouts in Great Yarmouth; but the effects of the new crossing mean that these improvements no longer match the expected pattern of traffic. The scheme will be redesigned to take new circumstances into account and the junctions will be delivered once the crossing is in place. The Government is committed to tackling road congestion in Great Yarmouth. The six A47 schemes are currently scheduled for a phased start of works, with the first construction starting in 2021. This has been done to smooth the timing and frequency of the roadworks along the A47, reducing the impact on the public. Specific timescales will be confirmed following publication of the second Roads Investment Strategy shortly.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Wind Power

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Committee for Climate Change's report entitled, Net Zero Technical Report, published May 2019, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the recommendation in that report that onshore wind capacity may require to be increased to 35GW by 2035; and if she will make a statement.

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Committee for Climate Change's report entitled, Net Zero Technical Report, published May 2019, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the recommendation that solar PV may require to be increased to 54GW by 2035; and if she will make a statement.

Kwasi Kwarteng: This government is committed to delivering net zero emissions by 2050 which will require significant effort in all sectors. In power, we have made great progress in decarbonising electricity generation whilst meeting demand, and over half our electricity generation was from low-carbon sources last year, up from 23% in 2010. As we continue to reduce emissions the exact mix of the electricity system will be affected by the approach to decarbonisation in other sectors, technology costs and the emergence of new technologies. It is not for government to prescribe the proportion of generation that will come from any specific technology in 2050; rather the role of government will be to enable the market to deliver the levels of deployment required whilst minimising both emissions and systems costs. The Energy White Paper will address the transformation of our energy system in the context of delivering net-zero by 2050. It will be the first major statement in energy on how we plan to deliver on our Net Zero commitment, setting out our approach in power generation, buildings decarbonisation, networks and markets, industrial decarbonisation, and oil and gas. My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State plans to publish an energy white paper in Q1 2020.

Equal Pay: LGBT People

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps she is taking to tackle the LGBT+ pay gap.

Kelly Tolhurst: Holding answer received on 10 February 2020



This is a matter for the Government’s Equalities Office and they will be responding shortly to the same question.

Hydrogen

Sarah Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to support hydrogen development as a sustainable energy resource in order to meet the Government's pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Kwasi Kwarteng: The Government is committed to exploring the development of hydrogen as a strategic decarbonised energy carrier, alongside electricity and other decarbonised gases. We are investing in innovation, with up to £108m supporting a range of projects to explore and develop the potential of low carbon hydrogen across the value chain from production to end use. We are investing in production at scale through the development of the £100m Low Carbon Hydrogen Production Fund, announced in 2019, and developing sustainable business models to support low carbon hydrogen production at scale. Alongside this we are working with a range of stakeholders to develop opportunities for scale up of UK hydrogen, notably through the Industrial Clusters Mission and the Offshore Wind Sector Deal.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Government will take steps to meet the terms of the UN General Assembly resolution on the future of the Chagos Islands.

Christopher Pincher: The UN General Assembly (GA) resolution relates to an Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Neither the ICJ Advisory Opinion nor the UN GA resolution are legally binding. We have no doubt about our sovereignty over the territory of BIOT, which has been under continuous British sovereignty since 1814. We have, however, made a long-standing commitment to cede sovereignty of the territory to Mauritius when it is no longer required for defence purposes. We stand by that commitment.

Bahrain: Political Prisoners

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2020 to Question 1712, on Bahrain: Human Rights, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies on the provision of Government support to Bahrain's (a) Ombudsman and (b) Special Investigations Unit of the re-imposition of the death sentence for Husain Moosa and Mohammed Ramadhan; and if he will make a statement.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The UK is committed to supporting Bahrain's oversight bodies, including the Ministry of Interior Ombudsman and the independent Special Investigations Unit. The support we provide to these bodies contributes to the development of both their capacity and capabilities. We have provided assistance in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme contributing to their work to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16 (strengthening institutions and increasing access to justice).The capability of these bodies to hold government departments to account has been demonstrated through the prosecution of at least 97 police officers, accused of human rights violations. It was as a result of an investigation by the oversight bodies, that the cases of Mohammed Ramadhan and Hussain Moosa were referred back to the Court of Cassation, leading to a re-trial in the Court of Appeal.I have publicly reiterated my concern about the death sentences handed down to Husain Moosa and Mohammed Ramadhan. The trial will now be reviewed by the Court of Cassation.

Gambia: Offences against Children

Mrs Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking with the Gambian Government to tackle child abuse by Western tourists.

Andrew Stephenson: We are engaging with Gambian officials, the tourism sector and international partners to ensure that the Government of The Gambia's zero tolerance on child abuse is understood and implemented. The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs in The Gambia, established in 2019, is leading work on strengthening child protection arrangements.

Bangladesh: Tourists

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office, how many UK nationals travelled to Bangladesh in (a) 2010 and (b) 2019 for the purpose of tourism.

Mrs Heather Wheeler: We do not hold this information.

Syria: Military Intervention

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure compliance with the UN Security Council resolutions on the violence affecting civilians in Idlib, Northern Syria.

Dr Andrew Murrison: We are deeply concerned about the situation in Idlib, north-west Syria, as a result of the ongoing offensive by the Syrian regime and Russia. We are calling on all parties to respect previously agreed ceasefires and their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, and to abide by relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, particularly UNSCR 2254, which calls for a nationwide ceasefire as part of a political process to end the conflict.

Israel: Palestinians

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made representations to the Palestinian Authority on accepting the peace plan recently proposed by Israel.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The Foreign Secretary called President Abbas on 27 January. He emphasised the UK hope that the plan would encourage a return to negotiations. We will continue to encourage all parties to resume dialogue.

Syria: Military Intervention

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps he has taken to de-escalate the security situation in north-west Syria.

Dr Andrew Murrison: We are active diplomatically to call on all parties to the conflict in Idlib to adhere to agreed ceasefires and abide by their obligations under International Humanitarian Law. We have repeatedly raised the issue at the UN Security Council. The Prime Minister discussed the situation in Idlib with President Erdogan, President Macron and Chancellor Merkel at their meeting on 3 December 2019. Senior officials have since discussed the situation there with their counterparts in Turkey and the UN Special Envoy, as well as raising serious concerns about the Idlib offensive with Russian counterparts. On 28 January, the UK hosted a meeting of Special Envoys of the Small Group on Syria (Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States) to discuss the situation in Syria, including the need for de-escalation in Idlib. On 5 February, I visited Ankara and discussed the situation in Idlib with Turkish Government Ministers.

Lebanon: Economic Situation

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the UK plans to provide additional assistance to Lebanon to tackle its financial crisis.

Dr Andrew Murrison: I spoke with new Lebanese Foreign Minister Dr. Nassif Hitti on 28 January to discuss the pressing economic situation. The UK and other members of the International Support Group for Lebanon have urged the new government to move forward with reforms that are needed in order to halt the deteriorating economic situation, restore fiscal balance and financial stability and address long standing structural deficiencies in the Lebanese economy. We stand ready to support Lebanon but look to this government to demonstrate its commitment to reform.

Iran: Nuclear Power

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential for opening negotiations with Iran on a revised nuclear deal.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) is the best means available to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. We remain committed to the deal and urge Iran to return to full compliance immediately. We, along with France and Germany, have made clear that we want to build on the JCPoA with a long-term successor that includes regional security issues and Iran's ballistic missile programme. The UK remains determined to work with Iran on a diplomatic way forward and believes discussion on these issues should take place while the current nuclear deal remains in place.

South Sudan and Sudan: Christianity

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the level of security of Christians in (a) Sudan and (b) South Sudan.

Andrew Stephenson: Sudan and South Sudan are priority countries in the UK Annual Human Rights Report. Improvements in human rights is an important part of our engagement in both countries. There are wide ranging security and human rights concerns in South Sudan, but these are not specific to Christianity which is the most widely practiced religion in the country. On Sudan the UK welcomes signs of progress on Freedom of Religion or Belief under the civilian-led government, including institutions observing Christian holidays and Christians being able to attend church services on Sundays. However, we remain concerned by ongoing issues and abuses. The Minister of State responsible for Human Rights, Lord Ahmad, registered the importance of increasing Freedom of Religion of Belief with the Sudanese Ambassador on 28 January. He raised concern at recent cases of churches being attacked.

Embassies

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department has plans to share offices overseas with other Commonwealth countries.

Mrs Heather Wheeler: We encourage maximum use of our office space overseas to ensure value for money and encourage co-location with friendly countries including Commonwealth countries. For example, Australia, Canada and New Zealand are currently located in some locations on our overseas platform and we are similarly on some of their platforms. Other co-locations are under discussion.

Nigeria: Christianity

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic support his Department provides to the Nigerian Government to help tackle the persecution of Christians in that country.

Andrew Stephenson: The UK is firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief around the world. We are a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right. We have made clear to the Nigerian authorities, at the highest levels, the importance of protecting civilians, including all ethnic and religious communities, and human rights for all Nigerians.Increasing insecurity in Nigeria is affecting communities of all faiths. Intercommunal violence across multiple states has had a devastating impact on communities. In North East Nigeria, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa seek to undermine the Nigerian constitutional right to freedom of religion by deliberately attacking both Christian and Muslim communities and religious leaders.We regularly raise our concerns about increasing levels of violence with the Nigerian Government, including most recently by the Prime Minister during his meeting with President Buhari at the UK-Africa Investment Summit on 20 January. We also engage closely with the federal government, state government, international partners and the National Economic Council to help address the root causes of intercommunal violence and to maintain the right to freedom of religion. We continue to push for solutions that meet the needs of all communities affected.

Syria: Armed Conflict

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to end (a) the aerial bombardment of and (b) other military hostilities towards civilians in Idlib, Northern Syria by the (i) Russianand (ii) Syrian Government.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to ensure that Syria complies with UN Security Council resolutions in relation to stopping military attacks in Syria.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help ensure that (a) Russian and (b) Syrian military forces stop targeting(a) medical facilities, (b) schools and (c) other civilian facilities.

Dr Andrew Murrison: We are deeply concerned about the situation in Idlib, north-west Syria, as a result of the ongoing offensive by the Syrian regime and Russia. We are calling on all parties to adhere to previously agreed ceasefires and abide by their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly UNSCR 2254, which calls for a nationwide ceasefire as part of a political process to end the conflict.We have repeatedly raised the issue at the UN Security Council and called an emergency session on Idlib on 6 February. The Prime Minister discussed the situation in Idlib with President Erdogan, President Macron and Chancellor Merkel at their meeting on 3 December 2019. I discussed Idlib with Turkish counterparts during a visit to Turkey on 5-6 February and with Special Envoys of the Small Group on Syria (comprising Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States) on 28 January. Officials have also raised our concerns with Russian counterparts. We have repeatedly condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and medical facilities. We strongly supported the UN Secretary General's establishment of a Board of Inquiry to investigate such attacks and have called for the results of this inquiry to be made public when released.

Israel: Palestinians

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of whether the Palestinian state proposed in the US Administration’s Peace to Prosperity plan would be viable and sovereign.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The UK's longstanding position on the Middle East Peace Process is clear and has not changed: we want to see a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state; based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a just, fair, agreed and realistic settlement for refugees. But exactly how that vision is achieved will be a result of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Only the leaders of Israel and the Palestinians can determine whether these proposals can meet the needs and aspirations of the people they represent.

Colombia: Overseas Aid

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to monitor the effect of Government funding for Colombia on human rights and the peace process in that country.

Christopher Pincher: The United Kingdom is committed to the implementation of the Peace Accords of 2016, and we remain steadfast in our support of the Colombian authorities as they seek to ensure sustainable peace in Colombia. We are proud to be the penholder on the issue at the United Nations Security Council, and have committed almost £45 million over 5 years through the United Kingdom Conflict Stability and Security Fund for Colombia to support development across conflict-affected regions. As a Human Rights Priority Country, our Embassy in Colombia also provides significant programming to help at-risk human rights defenders and to tackle the legacy of sexual violence from Colombia's decades-long conflict.The British Government undertakes extensive risk assessments when designing projects in Colombia and deciding which to fund, including any potential negative impact on human rights or the peace process. This includes the OSJA process, which ensures any United Kingdom overseas security and justice assistance (OSJA) work meets our human rights obligations and our values. We continually monitor the effects of our programme work in consultation with colleagues working in Colombia, making a thorough assessment of the impact of all of our projects.

Colombia: Overseas Companies

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage UK company compliance with UN guiding principles on business and human rights in Columbia.

Christopher Pincher: The United Kingdom is committed to protecting and promoting human rights in Colombia, which the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has designated a Human Rights Priority Country. The Government expects United Kingdom companies to comply fully with UN guiding principles on human rights in that country, and the FCO works to support and promote responsible practice by United Kingdom companies internationally.We regularly call for the prioritisation of a human rights agenda in Colombia, most recently at the UN Security Council on 13 January. The United Kingdom remains committed to continuing our programming to support full compliance with human rights obligations in Colombia.

Tristan Da Cunha: Fisheries

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to help ensure that Tristan da Cunha’s fishing industry is adequately protected from increased restrictions over fishing areas.

Christopher Pincher: Under the Blue Belt programme, United Kingdom funding has been provided to support the Overseas Territories protect and manage their marine environments. The programme is currently on course to protect 4 million square kilometres of ocean around the British Overseas Territories. In delivering the Blue Belt initiative, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the Marine Management Organisation(MMO) are working with the Government of Tristan da Cunha to ensure that the large scale Marine Protected Areas which have been designated, or are being developed, around the UKOTs are effectively managed, monitored and enforced. Traditional surveillance techniques, including sea and aerial patrols, are also being supplemented with trials of new techniques including satellite surveillance (radar and optical imagery); autonomous underwater vehicles; and unmanned aerial systems, to detect any illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Further funding was announced in August for FY 2020/21 to continue this important programme.

India: Nationality

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made for the implications of his policies of India’s recent Citizenship Amendment Act; and what representations he has made to his Indian counterpart on the human rights implications of that Act.

Mrs Heather Wheeler: The British High Commission in New Delhi and our network of Deputy High Commissions across India are following reports on the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens, as well as the Government of India's response. We raise our concerns with the Government of India. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon discussed the CAA, and public response to the legislation, with India's Minister of State for External Affairs on 19 December 2019. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials also raised the issue with the High Commission of India in London on 14 January.The UK has long regarded protest as a key part of democratic society. Democratic governments must have the power to enforce law and order when a protest crosses the line into illegality, though we encourage all states to ensure their domestic laws are enforced in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights violations is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly, and transparently.India has a proud history of inclusive government and religious tolerance. After his re-election, Prime Minister Modi promised to continue this. We trust the Government of India will provide reassurances to its citizens who are expressing concern about the impact this legislation may have. We will continue to monitor the situation.

India: Nationality

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department has had discussions with representatives of the Indian Government on recent shootings related to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Mrs Heather Wheeler: The British High Commission in New Delhi and our network of Deputy High Commissions across India are following reports on the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens, as well as the Government of India's response. We raise our concerns with the Government of India. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon discussed the CAA, and public response to the legislation, with India's Minister of State for External Affairs on 19 December 2019. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials also raised the issue with the High Commission of India in London on 14 January.The UK has long regarded protest as a key part of democratic society. Democratic governments must have the power to enforce law and order when a protest crosses the line into illegality, though we encourage all states to ensure their domestic laws are enforced in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights violations is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly, and transparently.India has a proud history of inclusive government and religious tolerance. After his re-election, Prime Minister Modi promised to continue this. We trust the Government of India will provide reassurances to its citizens who are expressing concern about the impact this legislation may have. We will continue to monitor the situation.

Northern Ireland Office

Capital Investment: Northern Ireland

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 24 January 2020 to Question 5511, when he plans to publish the membership of the UK Government-Northern Ireland Executive joint board.

Julian Smith: A new UK Government - Northern Ireland Executive joint board will be established, convened by myself, to oversee implementation of the New Decade, New Approach agreement. This Board will include myself, the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and is expected to meet in the first quarter of this year. The Joint Board would have as part of its Terms of Reference in particular the oversight of transformation efforts in health, education and justice where these would draw on funding under this agreement.

Stormont House Agreement

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the Government's policy is on the legacy aspects of the Stormont House Agreement.

Julian Smith: The Government is committed to reforming the current legacy system in Northern Ireland in a way which provides reconciliation for victims and greater certainty for veterans. The Government will be working to develop proposals in the coming weeks.

Department of Health and Social Care

Prescriptions: Universal Credit

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to amend the NHS prescription form to include a box to indicate whether a free prescription can be claimed by a universal credit claimant.

Jo Churchill: The new FP10 National Health Service prescription form, which includes a tick box for Universal Credit claimants who meet the criteria for free prescriptions, is now being printed and distributed to the NHS.

NHS 111: Complaints

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many complaints he has received on the NHS 111 service in each of the last five years.

Edward Argar: A count of complaints received by the Department regarding the NHS 111 service in each of the last five calendar years is shown in the following table:YearCount of NHS 111 complaints201563201662201726201823201920Total194

NHS 111: Negligence

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much the NHS has paid out in claims for clinical negligence by NHS 111 operators or call centres in each of the last five years.

Edward Argar: This information is not collected centrally.

NHS 111: Training

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to review the adequacy of the minimum training requirements for NHS 111 operators.

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department takes to ensure nurses, GPs or clinical experts are present at all times in NHS 111 call centres.

Edward Argar: Health advisors handling calls to NHS 111 use a computer aided dispatch and clinical decision support system called NHS Pathways. All call handlers and operators using the system undergo an intensive training programme. NHS Pathways is a clinical system and as such, its use to provide services to the National Health Service is carefully governed by a ‘Licence to Use’. Content within the Licence relates to the training and on-going continuous quality monitoring of staff.NHS England also publishes the ‘National Service Specification for Integrated Urgent Care Services’. This outlines the need for providers to adhere to the clinical content of NHS Pathways and the requirement of the Licence that an NHS Pathways trained clinician is in the room at all times. The Specification also outlines how the commissioner and provider shall develop relationship with local Health Education England teams and Local Workforce Action Boards to ensure system-wide workforce planning is implemented.The Specification is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Integrated-Urgent-Care-Service-Specification.pdf

Tourette's Syndrome: Children

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential effect of issuing NICE guidance on the diagnosis of Tourette’s in children on the adequacy of NHS staff support for those children.

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will ensure that NICE issues guidance on the diagnosis of Tourette’s in children.

Jo Churchill: NHS England and NHS Improvement is the lead commissioner of clinical guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and there are currently no plans to ask NICE to develop a guideline on the diagnosis of Tourette’s in children. As such no assessment has been made to look at the effect of potential NICE guidance on the adequacy of National Health Service staff support for children with Tourette’s syndrome.Approaches to the management of Tourette’s syndrome in the NHS is well established and best practice guidance is available from the British Medical Journal.

Pharmacy: Medical Records

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of giving pharmacists access to patient records to reduce the demand for GP appointments.

Jo Churchill: No assessment has been made on access to patient records in relation to demand for general practitioner (GP) appointments.However, in some areas medical records are already shared between professionals to support locally commissioned services. Pharmacists have access to a patient’s summary care record (SCR) and where the patient has consented, the SCR allows access to much of the patient’s primary care record. The SCR already supports the newly commissioned Community Pharmacy Consultation Service and a range of other services and advice offered in community pharmacy. These services are designed to make pharmacies the first port of call for minor illness and health advice and to reduce pressure on other parts of the National Health Service, including GPs.In other areas, work is progressing to improve access to patient records, including increased interoperability between pharmacy and GP systems.

Lung Diseases: Screening

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that the forthcoming roll-out of proactive lung screenings by NHS England in the Mansfield and Ashfield  Clinical Commissioning Group area are accompanied with sufficient local resources to adequately deal with the potential increase in conditions that are diagnosed as a result of those screenings.

Jo Churchill: The NHS Long Term Plan Implementation Framework asks local systems to create five-year strategic plans to deliver the commitments in the plan. NHS England and NHS Improvement is working with the 14 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) involved in the first wave of Targeted Lung Health Checks, including Mansfield and Ashfield CCG, to ensure they commission appropriate services for their population. This includes meeting any demand for diagnosing and treating disease where the programme identifies previously undiagnosed disease.

Electronic Cigarettes: Death

Mrs Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will launch an inquiry into deaths relating to vaping.

Jo Churchill: There are no current plans to conduct an inquiry. Cases have been reported in the United States of America of acute lung injury suspected to be associated with e-cigarette use or vaping, although Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently recognised that either tetrahydrocannabinol or Vitamin E Acetate as the likely cause of the USA outbreak. Although to date reports in the United Kingdom do not reflect the trends in volume and pattern of the respiratory events seen in the USA, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is conducting surveillance to ensure they can identify potential cases.UK regulated e-cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking although not completely risk free. Five fatalities have been reported to the MHRA in the UK that may have been associated with e-cigarette use. Importantly there is no evidence that all the deaths were caused by e-cigarette use. This needs to be put into context of over 3 million e-cigarette users in the UK, and that smoking kills over 78,000 people each year alone in England.The MHRA continues to assess all reports received in association with nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and take appropriate action to protect public health.

Coronavirus

Mrs Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the UK citizens repatriated from Wuhan in China as a result of the coronavirus outbreak receive the necessary medical attention.

Jo Churchill: The Government’s priority is to ensure that those people repatriated by the United Kingdom Government are made as comfortable as possible throughout the duration of the 14-day period to monitor their health and to protect the public.They will have access to a team of medical staff who will closely monitor their condition.The team at this site is able to ensure that infection control remains at the highest standard and that individuals have access to specialist care if required. It also allows the health of those in the group to be regularly monitored and has the necessary medical facilities close at hand should they be required.

Mental Health Services: Children

Mrs Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he plans to take to help ensure equity in the performance of clinical commissioning groups on the (a) timeliness and (b) quality of mental health treatments for children after receipt of a referral for such treatment.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We have committed to at least an additional 345,000 children and young people aged 0-25 being able to access mental health support by 2023/24. Our Green Paper on children and young people’s mental health aims to improve the provision of services for children. One of the key proposals of the Green Paper is to create new Mental Health Support Teams in and near groups of schools and colleges, to enable children to get timely support for mild to moderate conditions. In December 2018, we announced 25 Trailblazer sites to run the first wave of 59 Mental Health Support Teams. In 12 of these areas we are also testing a four-week wait standard, exploring how Mental Health Support Teams and specialist services can work together to achieve more timely access to appropriate treatment.

NHS: Negligence

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of NHS clinical negligence liability over the last 10 years.

Ms Nadine Dorries: NHS Resolution manages clinical negligence and other claims against the National Health Service in England. NHS Resolution has supplied the following information.Financial YearClinical Schemes total provisions (£000s)2009/1014,899,4552010/1116,639,4942011/1218,619,9992012/1322,690,5172013/1425,655,2082014/1528,277,7862015/1656,082,1622016/1764,676,6822017/1876,702,7912018/1983,070,576 Notes:- The values included above include all four clinical schemes managed by NHS Resolution – Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts, Existing Liabilities Scheme, Ex-Regional Health Authority and Department for Health and Social Care clinical.- The ‘clinical negligence liability’ is known as the provision in accounting terms. The provision represents the estimated value of all known claims, together with an actuarial estimate of those incurred but not yet reported, which are claims which may be brought in the future but have not yet (and may not) be brought and which may settle or be withdrawn over future years. The year-on-year rises in clinical negligence costs are eating into resources available for front-line care; this is unsustainable. This is despite our substantial safety programmes.The Department is working intensively with the Ministry of Justice, other Government departments and NHS Resolution, all of whom are committed to addressing this issue.This is a complicated issue and the work is ongoing. We will bring forward a publication in due course.

NHS: Negligence

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps NHS Resolve has taken since 2017 to tackle the increase in clinical negligence liability.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The rising costs of clinical negligence are a major concern and something we are committed to tackling, given that National Health Service funds spent on clinical negligence are resources not available for front-line care.NHS Resolution manages clinical negligence and other claims against the NHS in England. NHS Resolution launched a new five-year strategy in 2017 aimed at delivering fair resolution and learning from harm to improve safety, following which it has:- Launched an Early Notification scheme for the most serious obstetric incidents to get closer to the point of incident so that they can get support to families when they need it and share learning more rapidly;- Introduced the Maternity Incentive Scheme which encourages improvement in maternity and neonatal services by incentivising a bundle of safety actions informed by research and agreed with system partners;- Increased the use of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution to resolve claims without the need for expensive litigation; and- Refined their approach to learning from claims to drive safety improvement.

NHS: Finance

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to tackle the predicted financial deficits in (a) clinical commissioning groups and (b) acute trusts in north-west London; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the expected overspend at the end of the 2019-2020 of (a) London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust and (b) Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group.

Edward Argar: The Government has responded to the financial challenges faced by the National Health Service by providing significant increases in funding. A five-year settlement will see Resource Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) funding increase by £33.9 billion per year by 2023-24 that will support the NHS Long Term Plan. In addition new Capital DEL funding is being provided, totalling £4.8 billion, that will support new capital programmes across the NHS, including the Health Infrastructure Plan announced in October 2019.Key commitments included in the NHS Long Term Plan include: a return to financial sustainability for all organisations and for all systems to become Integrated Care Systems, which will bring together organisations to redesign care, reduce inequalities, deliver financial sustainability and most importantly improve population health.

Mount Vernon Hospital: Asbestos

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the cost of making safe asbestos on the Mount Vernon Hospital site; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Argar: Based on a detailed site condition survey undertaken in 2017, the estimated cost of removing all Asbestos Containing Materials at the Mount Vernon Hospital site is almost £12 million.

Mount Vernon Hospital: Radiotherapy

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the estimated cost to the public purse is of (a) replacing and (b) relocating the Linear Accelerators on the Mount Vernon site to another location, and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: The estimated cost to replace a Linear Accelerator in its current location is approximately £1.5 million. Relocation costs vary depending on preparations required and where the Linear Accelerator is being relocated to. Relocation to a site with a ready-to-use bunker could cost around £1.5 million per Linear Accelerator. Relocation to a new site could cost substantially more, and would depend on a number of factors including, acquisition of land and the building of bunkers. As part of the Mount Vernon Strategic Review, a range of options will be developed to improve travel times for patients requiring radiotherapy.

Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with NHS England on a potential merger of the Hillingdon Hospitals Trusts and North West Hospitals trusts; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Argar: Ministers have had no discussions with NHS England and NHS Improvement on a potential merger of The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust.

Mental Health Services: Finance

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the effect of funding inequalities between areas on (a) NHS Newham clinical commissioning group, (b) North-East London sustainability and transformation partnership and (c) other areas as set out on the Royal College of Psychiatrists Mental Health Watch website.

Ms Nadine Dorries: As part of the NHS Long Term Plan we have committed at least a further £2.3 billion a year to mental health services by 2023/24 meaning that spend on mental health will be growing faster than the overall National Health Service budget.Based on core weighted population, an indicative allocation of £163.7m in clinical commissioning group (CCG) baseline investment and indicative allocation of £271.3 million in transformation funding will be made to North East London Sustainability and Transformation Partnership between 2019/20 to 2023/24, with Newham CCG modelled as receiving around 17.5% of this funding.The Mental Health Investment Standard requires CCGs to increase the amount spent on mental health by at least as much as their overall budget increases. For the first time, in 2018/19 all CCGs met this level of investment.

Immigrants: Detainees

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Health and Social Care, how many people detained at an immigration detention centre were assessed for a mental illness in 2019.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The information is not available in the requested format.

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what was the average waiting time was for people under the age of 18 to access CAMHS in (a) north, (b) east , (c) west , (d) south and (e) central London in the last 12 months.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The information is not collected in the format requested.

Eating Disorders: Health Education

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he is taking steps to ensure that public health campaigns (a) take into account the welfare of people affected by eating disorders and (b) do not (i) inadvertently reinforce unhealthy thoughts and (ii) trigger harmful behaviour in those people; and if he will make a statement.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Messaging in public health campaigns aimed at healthy eating and physical activity is developed with guidance from Public Health England’s (PHE’s) nutritionists and tested with stakeholders and target groups such as parents and children. Change4Life recommends that those with special dietary requirements, medical needs, eating disorders or who require specialised nutrition advice, seek guidance from a registered health-care professional which can be found at the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/about-change4life PHE is currently not undertaking any marketing activity aimed at adults around eating behaviours. In addition, PHE’s Rise Above social marketing programme aims to help build resilience and support the good mental health of young people aged 10 to 16. It delivers video resources enabling self-care, developed with guidance from PHE and independent experts in young people’s health. These are tested with young people to ensure they do not normalise or trigger unhealthy or harmful behaviours. These resources can be viewed at the following link: www.NHS.uk/riseabove/schools

Eating Disorders: Health Services

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to (a) increase the training provided to and (b) improve the understanding of dealing with cases sensitively and effectively of (i) medical students and (ii) junior doctors on eating disorders.

Edward Argar: Mental health should be an integral part of medical education and training so that all doctors have the necessary knowledge and experience of mental health to assess patients holistically, considering the individuals’ physical, social and psychological needs. All newly qualified doctors, as a condition of their registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), must explain and illustrate by professional experience the principles for the identification, safe management and referral of patients with mental health conditions.The Government is committed to provide the best training experience for all doctors in training and will work with the GMC and relevant stakeholders to ensure doctors in training receive the necessary mental health training to meet the current and future needs of patients. The GMC, at the request of the Department held a roundtable on 21 November 2019 to use their influence to improve educational knowledge and skill in the recognition and treatment of eating disorders.

Plastic Surgery

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 3 February 2020 to Question 8164 on Plastic Surgery, whether the surgical procedures referred to in that Answer include the use of (a) dermal fillers and (b) botox.

Ms Nadine Dorries: In England any hospital or clinic offering cosmetic surgery that involves instruments or equipment being inserted into the body must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Subcutaneous injections of botulinum toxins and dermal fillers are not regulated by the CQC.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the United Kingdom, including botulinum toxins and, from May 2020, all dermal fillers.

Eating Disorders: Children and Young People

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of treatment meeting the Access and Waiting Time Standard for Children and Young People in (a) each region and (b) the UK.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We have introduced two waiting times for children and young people: for 95% of children (up to 19 years old) with eating disorders to receive treatment within a week for urgent cases and four weeks for routine cases, and for 56% of patients of all ages experiencing a first episode of psychosis to receive treatment within two weeks of referral. We are on target to meet these aims by 2020/21. Quarterly data and trend indicators on these two waiting time targets is available through the Mental Health Five Year Forward View Dashboard. The Dashboard which brings together quarterly local, regional and national data across mental health services to measure the performance of the National Health Service in delivering its plans.

Eating Disorders: Mental Health Services

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to increase the provision of eating disorder services in the North East.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Government announced investment of £150 million in 2014 to expand eating disorder community-based care. As a result 70 dedicated new or extended community services are now either open or in development. We are implementing the first access standards for eating disorder services for children and young people’s, ensuring that 95% of children with an eating disorder will receive treatment within one week for urgent cases and within four weeks for routine cases. We are on track to meet this commitment by 2020/21. In September 2019, we announced £70 million to support new pilots in 12 areas to develop models of community mental health care for adults and older adults, including for better access to eating disorder services. Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) across Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear have nominated Newcastle Gateshead CCG to take a lead on their behalf and have set up a full day workshop to review the eating disorder care pathway to improve community eating disorder services.

Abortion

Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has (a) taken and (b) plans to take to ensure that abortion clinics (i) report cases of suspected sexual abuse and exploitation, (ii) flag cases of underage girls being brought to their clinic for an abortion by the same unrelated adult and (iii) ensure that consent is properly obtained from minors; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of abortion clinics licenced by his Department on ensuring that those clinics (a) report cases of suspected sexual abuse and exploitation, (b) flag cases of underage girls being brought to their clinic for abortion by the same unrelated adult, (c) ensure that consent is provided in writing by minors; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Dinenage: All abortion providers must comply with legal requirements and have regard to any statutory guidance relating to safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All providers must have policies and protocols in place for dealing with these groups. Health professionals are required to be competent in child protection and are expected to participate in regular training to update their skills. All clinical staff working in abortion services should be trained to at least level 3 of the intercollegiate framework, Safeguarding Children and Young people: roles and competences for health care staff. Providers should have protocols in place for obtaining consent and pathways and support for all women who lack capacity to consent. Officials meet regularly with abortion service providers and discuss a range of issues.

Misoprostol

Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Department’s guidance allowing misoprostol to be taken at home, what steps he has (a) taken and (b) plans to take in the next six months to ensure that (i) misoprostol is only given to the woman who wish to use it, and (ii) there is appropriate screening to ensure women are not being compelled to take misoprostol against their will; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Dinenage: Medical abortion is a two-stage process which requires the administration of Mifepristone followed by Misoprostol to successfully complete the procedure. Misoprostol can only prescribed for home use when the woman has requested an early medical abortion and given her informed consent after being assessed by two doctors as meeting the legal grounds for termination of pregnancy as set out in the Abortion Act 1967. The first stage, Mifepristone, must continue to be administered in an National Health Service hospital or an approved independent sector clinic.Safeguards are in place under the Department’s required standard operating procedures (RSOPs) for independent sector abortion providers to identify women and young girls who may feel coerced or endangered and enable them to raise their concerns in confidence. Guidance produced by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists outlines best clinical practice for medical abortion at home and safeguarding vulnerable women and young girls and is available at the following link:https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/early-medical-abortion-at-home-guideline-england.pdf

NHS: Staff

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to publish the final NHS People Plan.

Edward Argar: The final NHS People Plan will be published by the National Health Service in early 2020 and will set out a clear framework for collective action on workforce priorities, with a focus on growing and sustaining a well-skilled workforce across the whole NHS.

Carers

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to (a) reduce waiting times for carer's assessments and (b) improve the tailoring of support for carers after an assessment.

Caroline Dinenage: Information is not held centrally.

Carers: Health

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve support for the health and wellbeing of (a) young and (b) other carers.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government is committed to supporting carers to provide care as they would wish, and to do so in a way that supports their own health and wellbeing and other life chances.In June 2018 we published the cross-Government Carers Action Plan (CAP) 2018-2020 which includes commitments from across Government to support the health and wellbeing of all carers. The CAP includes a chapter containing actions specifically relating to young carers.In July 2019 we published the ‘Carers action plan 2018 to 2020: 1-year progress review’ to demonstrate the progress the CAP had made so far and plan to publish a final report this summer following the conclusion of the CAP.

Health Services: Foreign Nationals

Jamie Stone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of the cost of medical treatment provided by the NHS to foreign nationals was repaid by those nationals in each of the last five years.

Edward Argar: The Department does not hold the requested information.

Accident and Emergency Departments: Mental Illness

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that patients presenting at A&E with a mental health emergency are treated with equal priority as patients with a physical health emergency.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We have committed through the NHS Long Term Plan and the NHS Mental Health Implementation Plan 2019/20 – 2023/24 to ensure that all acute hospitals have an all-age mental health liaison service in place by 2020/21, with 50% of these meeting the ‘core 24’ standard for adults and older adults. This will increase to 70% by 2023/24 working towards 100% coverage thereafter.This will ensure that people who present at accident and emergency departments with mental health needs will have access to appropriate mental health support.

Childbirth

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress he has made on the Rapid Resolution and Redress Scheme to the number of cases of new birth injuries and deaths.

Ms Nadine Dorries: From March 2017, the Department ran a public consultation into the potential parameters of a ‘Rapid Resolution and Redress’ (RRR) scheme for severe avoidable birth injuries. The three main objectives of which were to reduce the number of severe avoidable birth injuries by promoting a ‘no-blame’ learning culture; to ensure a better experience for children who have been injured, their families and affected clinicians; and to address the high and increasing cost of such cases on the National Health Service budget when fully litigated.Following consultation, we decided not to introduce the RRR scheme but instead to pursue the above objectives as part of broader, cross-system work to improve the safety culture in maternity services and to provide rapid information and care to families who have experienced an avoidable fatality or injury of their baby during birth. The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch is now investigating all cases in which a term baby was considered to be alive and healthy at the onset of labour, but the birth outcome was severe brain damage, stillbirth, or neonatal death, as well as maternal deaths, to identify common themes and influence systemic change. NHS Resolution’s Early Notification scheme is providing a more rapid, caring response to families in cases of severe harm, supporting a learning culture, and providing support for staff involved in traumatic births.

Baby Care Units

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many premature babies required neonatal care lasting two weeks or longer in (a) 2019, (b) 2018, (c) 2017, (d) 2016 and (e) 2015.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We have provided the count of birth episodes with a gestational duration of less than 37 weeks (premature), and a postnatal stay of equal to or greater than 14 days, from 2014-15 to 2018-19.YearCount2014-156,0432015-166,0592016-176,4582017-186,5292018-196,172 It should be noted that this data should not be described as a count of people as the same person may have been admitted on one or more occasion.

Accident and Emergency Departments: Mental Illness

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people aged 18 years and under attended A&E for (a) deliberate self-harm and (b) psychiatric conditions in England in each of the last three years.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The information is not held in the format requested.

Preventive Medicine

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to take forward proposals in the Prevention Green Paper.

Jo Churchill: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon MP) on 3 February 2020 to Question 8285.

Air Pollution: Health Hazards

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what research his Department has undertaken of the effect of air pollution on health in the UK.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department invests over £1 billion a year in health research through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR supports a broad spectrum of research on the health effects of air pollution through the Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in the Health Impact of Environmental Hazards at King’s College London and the HPRU in Environmental Change and Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The NIHR also funds relevant research through its Public Health Research Programme, including an investigation on the impact of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone on children’s respiratory health.The Department identifies priorities for research into air pollution using recommendations from the Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) and Public Health England (PHE). It also commissions PHE and COMEAP to review and conduct such research.

Public Health: Finance

Mohammad Yasin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his timescale is for publishing the public health grant allocations for 2020-21.

Jo Churchill: The local authority public health allocations for 2020/21 will be published shortly.

Cancer: Health Services

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish a cancer strategy for the future of cancer services in North West London; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: There are no plans to publish a cancer strategy for the future of cancer services in North West London. An ambitious programme of improvements in cancer care across the whole of England were set out in the NHS Long Term Plan. This built on the 2015 National Cancer Strategy, Achieving World-Class Cancer Outcomes.

Mount Vernon Hospital Northwood: Medical Records

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he made of the effectiveness of (a) digital and (b) paper care records at Mount Vernon Hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We are committed to the digitisation of paper records to enable effective patient care and enhanced patient safety. A digital transformation plan, which will include digitisation of patient care records, is currently underway for Mount Vernon’s main acute services and is expected to conclude in May 2020. A strategic review of the separate Mount Vernon Cancer Centre is also underway and expected to be completed during 2020.

Hospitals: Standards

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many hospitals were rated (a) outstanding, (b) good, (c) requires improvement and (d) inadequate after the first cycle of CQC inspections completed in 2015.

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many GP practices were rated (a) outstanding, (b) good, (c) requires improvement and (d) inadequate after the first cycle of Care Quality Commission inspections completed in 2015.

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many hospitals are rated (a) outstanding, (b) good, (c) requires improvement and (d) inadequate by the CQC.

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many GP practices are rated (a) outstanding, (b) good, (c) requires improvement and (d) inadequate by the CQC.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The data requested is attached.



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Autism: Diagnosis

Carla Lockhart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 29 January 2020 to Question 6150 on autism: diagnosis, how his Department monitors the autism diagnosis process in the absence of data relating to waiting times for diagnosis.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department recognises the importance of timely and effective diagnosis processes and that is why we have introduced the first ever collection and reporting of autism waiting times data.On 14 November 2019, NHS Digital published statistics that present the number of new referrals to mental health services for which the referral reason was suspected autism, as well as their waiting times to first appointment. These are experimental statistics and have been published by NHS Digital to involve users and stakeholders in the future development of the data, including work to improve the quality of the data. The data is intended to give average time to diagnosis, but it will take some time before that information is ready for publication. The data is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics/autism-statisticsIn addition, the NHS Long Term Plan has set out that over the next three years, autism diagnosis will be included alongside work with children and young people’s mental health services to test and implement the most effective ways to reduce waiting times for specialist services.

Mental Health Services: Staff

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many NHS posts in children and young people’s mental health service there were in each year and at each grade since 2014.

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of the NHS workforce is located within (a) mental health services and (b) young people’s mental health services.

Ms Nadine Dorries: NHS Digital published the new mental health workforce definition on 21 March 2019.As at October 2019, the latest available data there were 1,023 child and adolescent psychiatrists in National Health Service trusts and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), 29 (3%) more since October 2014, full time equivalent (FTE).As at September 2019, the latest available data there were 1,114,473 people working in NHS trusts and CCGs of which 114,539 (10.3%) people work in mental health, FTE.NHS Digital’s mental health workforce data cannot be broken down into children’s posts because there is not an agreed definition of young people’s mental health services. For example a single psychiatrist may be providing mental health services to children and adults.

General Practitioners: Staff

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many full-time equivalent GP clinical staff there were in (a) Houghton and Sunderland South constituency, (b) the North East and (c) England in 2018-2019.

Jo Churchill: The number (headcount) of doctors (excluding locums), direct patient care practitioners and nurses in general practice who worked full time and part time according to their weekly contracted hours in general practices in NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), North East and Yorkshire NHS region and England on 30 September 2018 and 2019 is attached. NHS Sunderland CCG includes Houghton and Sunderland South constituency but does not map directly to the borders. North East and Yorkshire NHS region was formed in April 2019 therefore no data exists for this region prior to this date. The data is divided by those who are contracted to work 15 hours or less, more than 15 but less than 37.5 hours, and more than 37.5 hours per week. General practitioner (GP) locums are excluded as improvements have been made to GP locum recording methodology and figures are not comparable across the time series.



Number of clinical staff in the north east
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Diagnosis

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to review the process by which patients are given a no evidence of active disease verdict.

Jo Churchill: NHS England and NHS Improvement have no current plans to review the process by which patients are given a no evidence of active disease verdict. We would expect clinicians to use their clinical and professional judgement, accompanied by any relevant guidance and supporting evidence, when making such decisions and informing patients of a clinical decision.

Department for International Development

Syria: Humanitarian Situation

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps he is taking to help tackle the humanitarian crisis in Idlib, Northern Syria.

Dr Andrew Murrison: We are gravely concerned about escalating Syrian Regime and Russian military action and its humanitarian impact in Idlib. As of 6 February, the UN reports that 586,000 people have been displaced since 1 December 2019, and many more are at risk of imminent further displacement.This financial year DFID has already allocated £103 million to organisations delivering aid cross border from Turkey primarily into North West Syria, including Idlib. This has helped to provide hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people with food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare including psychosocial support.Given the rapidly deteriorating conditions in North West Syria, we have put options in place to increase our funding further to address the pressing needs of those displaced by the conflict. We have provided funding to response partners including the UN to preposition essential supplies to support innocent families and civilians displaced by conflict and we are supporting all our partners to respond to this humanitarian crisis.I visited Turkey on 5-6 February and discussed the crisis in North West Syria with UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs, as well as with Turkish authorities. DFID partners on the ground are working tirelessly to provide aid to those affected by the military offensive.

Palestinians: Schools

Jack Lopresti: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps his Department takes to ensure, through the allocation of official development assistance, that children studying in schools run by the Palestinian Authority are not being taught that it is honourable to commit violent acts against Israelis; and if he will make representations to the Palestinian leadership on upholding their pledge to renounce violence.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The UK government strongly condemns all forms of violence and incitement to violence.We have robust conversations with the highest levels of the Palestinian leadership, challenging them about the need to prepare their population for peace, including by promoting a positive portrayal of others. I most recently raised the issue with the Palestinian Authority’s Minister for Education at a meeting on 22 January 2020.We continue to judge that the Palestinian Authority is demonstrating a credible commitment to DFID’s ‘partnership principles’, including the principle of non-violence.

Developing Countries: Sanitary Protection

Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what estimate he has made of the numbers of sanitary pads donated through UK aid programmes; and to what countries those donations were made.

Dr Andrew Murrison: In 2019, the UK announced new work to tackle period poverty and shame overseas and allocated £2m of funding for projects through UK Aid Direct in DFID priority countries.DFID takes an integrated approach to tackling period poverty and shame, from reproductive health and sanitation programmes, to girls’ education and humanitarian programmes. Our programmes in Africa and Asia support access to products and safe and hygienic facilities. They also equip girls and women with knowledge about their bodies, seeking to address harmful stigma and shame.We do not disaggregate the numbers of sanitary pads donated through UK aid programmes. We believe women and girls should be able to access a choice of period products that meet their needs, including sanitary pads. In some countries, UK aid is supporting women to make reusable products locally. This helps them generate an income and creates eco-friendly options that meet local women’s preferences.

UN Convention on Biological Diversity

Alex Chalk: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if the Government will take steps to negotiate a deal at CoP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity which (a) recognises the importance of biodiversity conservation for sustainable development and tackling climate change and (b) is aligned with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The UK will be seeking an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework to spur global action, recognising the transformative change needed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Addressing this challenge and tackling climate change are critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.As part of this post-2020 global biodiversity framework, the Government wants to see new targets agreed that are both ambitious and implementable, and it will be important that they are measurable. We recognise the major role nature-based solutions play in climate change mitigation and adaptation and are working to ensure the Convention on Biological Diversity framework and agreements at COP 26 reinforce this message that both need to be tackled together to deliver the necessary step change at the national and global levels.

Gaza: Humanitarian Situation

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, with reference to the UN's warning that Gaza may be unlivable by 2020, what steps he is taking to tackle the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The UK remains deeply concerned by the situation in Gaza. In 2019/20 DFID will provide £16 million in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, which will help support the health system, including improved trauma care, and contribute to emergency food aid for around 1.2 million vulnerable people.To help address the underlying causes of the humanitarian situation we are investing to build the capacity of Gaza’s water and energy services and to address barriers to trade. Ultimately, Gaza’s immense challenges can only be resolved with a political solution that delivers peace, stability and the easing of movement and access restrictions.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions he has had with his counterparts throughout the world on ensuring that universal health coverage is a central focus of the replenishment period and strategy review of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Dr Andrew Murrison: Achieving universal health coverage is a UK priority and an overarching goal for DFID’s contribution to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The UK’s £1.44 billion of support to Gavi between 2016-2020 has saved 1.4 million lives from vaccine-preventable diseases in 68 of the world’s poorest countries.The UK is proud to be hosting the Gavi Replenishment Conference on 3-4th June, to secure Gavi the funds it needs to immunise 300 million more children and save at least 7 million lives between 2021 and 2025. The UK’s commitment to Gavi is central to our work to end preventable deaths of mothers, new-borns and children by 2030.

Developing Countries: Children

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps he is taking to end preventable child deaths by 2030.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The UK is a leading player in global health and as announced in October 2019 has made it a priority to step up efforts to end preventable deaths of mothers, newborn babies and children in the developing world by 2030. This is in line with our commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.The UK is proud of this ambitious commitment and will bring together a range of investments in health (such as health research, global health initiatives and programmes delivered in specific countries) behind a common goal, working with others to end preventable deaths of mothers, new-born babies and children.For example; as hosts of the Gavi Replenishment Conference this year, the UK government are committed to help secure the $7.4 billion that Gavi needs to deliver its life-saving work in the next five years. This funding will allow Gavi to vaccinate 300 million more children and save 7-8 million lives from preventable deaths by 2025. We will be publishing a paper in due course setting out our aims and objectives for reaching this goal by 2030.

Developing Countries: Leprosy

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how much funding has been allocated for the control and research of leprosy (a) since 2012 and (b) for the next five years.

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if he will allocate funding to develop diagnostic tests for leprosy that are (a) simple and effective to use in the field and (b) diagnose peripheral nerve involvement early.

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps he is taking to allocate funding for leprosy research.

Dr Andrew Murrison: DFID’s research funding is allocated competitively mostly on the basis of open calls for proposals focussing on the need in Developing Countries. Three of our research programmes are dedicated to Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), one of which, the Coalition for Operational Research on NTDs (COR-NTD), includes seven research projects that address leprosy with other diseases. Two of these proposals also include research on diagnostic approaches. With DFID funding, COR-NTD has also launched a specific call for proposals on leprosy research. We expect the evaluation of this call within the next four weeks. Current funding for COR-NTD is planned until 2021.DFID does not have dedicated funding for leprosy control, but we support some programmes that include work on leprosy through UK Aid Direct. Additionally, some of our work on health system strengthening contributes to tackling leprosy. We do not disaggregate this funding by disease that would enable us to provide an actual figure. Details of all our funding is available on devtracker.dfid.gov.uk.

Developing Countries: Leprosy

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if he will hold discussions with (a) the UK's Leprologist and (b) leprosy NGO's to create a UK strategy for tackling global leprosy.

Dr Andrew Murrison: A key aim of the UK’s global health work is to support countries build and maintain strong health systems, and universal health coverage, to tackle all causes of ill health, working in close partnership with national governments. We do not plan to have strategies on specific neglected tropical diseases like leprosy. UK aid is invested in several major neglected tropical disease (NTD) programmes, which are focused on building systems to treat and prevent Guinea worm, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, visceral leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, and trachoma. These diseases were identified based on a detailed analysis of the burden of the disease, the UK’s comparative advantage in the area, and the availability and cost effectiveness of treatment and prevention. In September 2019 in Liverpool, Baroness Sugg launched the UK’s flagship £220 million NTDs programme. This programme will provide treatment and care for NTDs to 200 million people. We continue to assess the inclusion of leprosy for each country where we operate NTD programming, taking into consideration the disease burden, other financial support available, and whether leprosy activities can be delivered cost-effectively in conjunction with other activities.

Developing Countries: Leprosy

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if he will allocate funding to support research to find a specific and sensitive rapid diagnostic test for leprosy.

Dr Andrew Murrison: A key aim of the UK’s global health work is to support countries build and maintain strong health systems, and universal health coverage, to tackle all causes of ill health, working in close partnership with national governments. We do not plan to have strategies on specific neglected tropical diseases like leprosy.UK aid is invested in several major neglected tropical disease (NTD) programmes, which are focused on building systems to treat and prevent Guinea worm, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, visceral leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, and trachoma. These diseases were identified based on a detailed analysis of the burden of the disease, the UK’s comparative advantage in the area, and the availability and cost effectiveness of treatment and prevention.In September 2019 in Liverpool, Baroness Sugg launched the UK’s flagship £220 million NTDs programme. This programme will provide treatment and care for NTDs to 200 million people. We continue to assess the inclusion of leprosy for each country where we operate NTD programming, taking into consideration the disease burden, other financial support available, and whether leprosy activities can be delivered cost-effectively in conjunction with other activities.

Department for Education

Arts: Finance

Alberto Costa: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to improve (a) access to and (b) funding for creative subjects.

Nick Gibb: The Department wants all pupils to have access to high-quality creative education. Music, art and design, dance and drama, and design and technology are all statutory subjects in the National Curriculum.Between 2016-20 the Department is investing nearly £500 million of funding for a diverse portfolio of music and creative arts education programmes including Music Education Hubs, the Music and Dance Scheme and the Dance and Drama awards. In early January, we also announced funding of £85 million for music and arts in 2020-21; £80 million for music hubs coupled with further investment in film, dance, theatre and design.The Department believes that the arts help young people to learn creative skills and widen their horizons, so our Manifesto committed to offer an ‘arts premium’, worth over £100 million, to secondary schools to fund enriching activities for all pupils.

Pupils: Mental Health

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a yearly standardised mental health questionnaire for all secondary school children.

Nick Gibb: Schools make a real difference to the mental wellbeing of their pupils, and the Government recognises that this is already a priority for many of them. According to the Department’s school snapshot survey published in winter 2018, 92% of secondary schools and 86% of primary schools already use tools such as surveys to monitor their pupils’ wellbeing.To help more schools to access evidence-based approaches to measure and support wellbeing, the Government will provide wellbeing measurement advice that will enable schools to navigate the resources and tools available to them.The Government will continue to engage with leading experts on the measurement of mental health and wellbeing in schools. Nationally, the Government draws upon large-scale sample surveys to understand trends in children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, and we recently published the first ‘State of the nation’ report on this vitally important issue.

Schools: Discipline

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he is taking steps under the universal declaration of human rights to uphold the rights of children in schools that use extended isolation in booths as punishment for minor incidents of misbehaviour; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: Classrooms need to be safe and calm environments that enable teachers to teach, and children to learn. Schools can choose to remove pupils from the classroom for a variety of reasons. The Department trusts schools to develop their own policies and strategies for managing disruptive behaviour according to their particular circumstances. To help schools develop effective strategies, the Department has produced advice for schools which covers what should be included in their behaviour policy. This advice can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/behaviour-and-discipline-in-schools.The guidance states that schools can adopt a policy which allows disruptive pupils to be placed in isolation away from other pupils. If a school uses isolation rooms as a disciplinary penalty, this should be made clear in their behaviour policy. As with other disciplinary penalties, schools must act lawfully, reasonably and proportionately in all cases, and must take account of any special education needs or disabilities pupils placed in isolation may have. The school must also ensure the health and safety of pupils. It is for individual schools to decide how long a pupil should be kept in isolation and for the staff member in charge to determine what pupils may and may not do during the time they are there. Schools should ensure that pupils are kept in isolation no longer than is necessary and that their time spent there is used as constructively as possible. Schools must allow pupils time to eat or use the toilet.

Homicide: Young People

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of homicides of people aged 16-24 have been followed by (a) a serious case review, (b) a child safeguarding practice review, (c) an independent investigation report and (d) a safeguarding adult review in each of the last four years.

Michelle Donelan: The information requested is not held by the Department for Education.Local authorities are statutorily obliged to inform the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel of all incidents of serious harm or death of a child under 18 years old where abuse and neglect is known or suspected. The National Panel shares this data with the Department for Education.Information collected and held by the department does not distinguish ‘homicide’ as a reporting category.The attached table sets out over the last 4 years: the number of child deaths notified as serious incidents, the number of Serious Case Reviews that local areas have stated will be initiated and the number of local child Safeguarding Practice Reviews that local areas have stated will be initiated.



11524_table
(Word Document, 49 KB)

Children: Social Services

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment he has made of (a) trends in the level of demand for children’s services and (b) the adequacy of funding allocated to children’s services in each year since 2010.

Michelle Donelan: We monitor the number of looked-after children, the number of children with child protection plans and the number of children in need on an ongoing basis.Data since 2013 at a local authority level is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-interactive-tool-lait.Data on children in need and service use since 2010 at a national level is available athttps://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-children-in-needand https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-looked-after-children.The most common factors recorded in children’s social care assessments are domestic abuse and mental health. These have consistently been the top 2 factors for the years during which we have collected this data and have risen in line with trends in demand.Over the 5-year period from 2015 to 2020, councils will have had access to more than £200 billion. Within that, we have seen councils prioritise spending on the most vulnerable children, with spending on child protection increasing from £2.2 billion in 2015-16 to £2.4 billion in 2018-19. To help support local authorities to meet rising demand, the government is providing councils with an additional £1 billion for adult and children's social care in every year of this Parliament. This is on top of the continuation of the £410 million social care grant in 2020-21.The government remains committed to reforming local government finance, including the review of relative needs and resources. This review aims to develop a robust, up-to-date approach to distributing funding, and we are expecting to implement it in 2021-22 in line with the outcome of a new multi-year Spending Review.Also, as set out in the manifesto, the government is committed to undertaking a review of the care system that covers the key issues facing vulnerable children and young people.

Schools: Fire Prevention

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when his Department plans to respond to the Call for Evidence on Building Bulletin 100: Design for Fire Safety in Schools, (BB100), that closed on 31 May 2019.

Nick Gibb: ​The Department for Education will publish the response to the Call for Evidence on Building Bulletin 100: Design for Fire Safety in Schools in due course.

Work Experience: Social Media

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what safeguarding guidance his Department has issued to schools in relation to students using LinkedIn profiles to look for work experience.

Nick Gibb: We want to support all young people to be happy, healthy and safe. We want to equip them for adult life and to make a positive contribution to society. Activities involving employers, such as work experience, are important in giving young people the experiences they need to succeed. However, it is important that pupils are able to make the right decisions when engaging with social media and are taught how to navigate online platforms safely. There are opportunities across the curriculum for pupils to be taught about online safety. For example, the computing curriculum covers the principles of e-safety at all key stages, with progression in the content to reflect the different and escalating risks that young people face. Pupils are taught how to use technology safely, responsibly, respectfully and securely, how to keep personal information private and where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies. Furthermore, from September, through the introduction of compulsory relationships, sex and health education, all pupils will be taught about online relationships, the implications of sharing private or personal data (including images) online, harmful content and contact and where to get help and support for issues that occur online. The guidance can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education. The Department has also recently published guidance for schools on teaching online safety, which aims to support schools in teaching pupils how to stay safe online within new and existing school subjects, such as relationships, sex and health education, citizenship and computing. This guidance is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teaching-online-safety-in-schools.

Schools: ICT

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance his Department has issued to schools on the use of Google Classroom; and what alternatives to that platform are available to schools.

Nick Gibb: Technology can be a useful tool for schools.In April 2019, the Department published a new Education Technology (EdTech) Strategy, ‘Realising the potential of technology in Education: A strategy for education providers and the technology sector’, available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/realising-the-potential-of-technology-in-education.The strategy made a series of commitments to support teachers to use technology to support workload reduction and flexible working practices, help foster efficiencies, promote inclusion, and ultimately, to help improve pupil outcomes.The Department does not currently promote specific EdTech products and services to schools and colleges, and does not offer any specific guidance relating to Google Classroom. If implemented poorly and without purpose or support, any product can have a negative impact. Schools, colleges and universities are best placed to make decisions about what technology to use and how to use it within their respective contexts. The Department’s role is to enable schools to take advantage of the opportunities that technology presents by highlighting the potential benefits, removing barriers and helping educational establishments to be informed buyers.

Ministry of Justice

Acquittals: Legal Costs

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reimbursing legal costs for defendants acquitted during legal trials.

Wendy Morton: The Government has measures in place to reimburse acquitted defendants in the criminal courts. Defendants who have been granted legal aid for representation in the Crown Court are paid back the sum of any income contributions, which they have made, in full upon acquittal. Acquitted defendants who were financially ineligible for legal aid and who have paid privately for legal representation in the Magistrates’ or Crown Court are entitled to recover their costs at the legal aid rates, via a Defendant’s Cost Order.

Probation: Contracts

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what criteria he plans to use to assess bids for Innovation Partner contracts under the new planned probation model.

Lucy Frazer: We are taking assessment criteria to mean evaluation criteria for the purposes of this response.The Probation Delivery Partner (formerly Innovation Partner) contracts will be evaluated on both quality and price. Tenders will be evaluated on the basis of the evaluation price divided by the quality score to obtain the Price Per Quality Point score (with the lowest score being awarded a Lot subject to restrictions on available market share and minimum capital requirements).The quality evaluation criteria are: Service Delivery (weighting 61%); Service Enablers (23%); Social Value (6%); Mobilisation & Transition (10%) and Legal, Commercial and Financial (Pass/Fail).

Probation: Contracts

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he plans to publish signed Innovation Partner contracts under the new planned probation model.

Lucy Frazer: The Probation Delivery Partner (formerly Innovation Partner) contracts will be published on the contracts finder website as required upon signature, subject to redaction of commercially sensitive content and personal information where applicable.

Probation: Voluntary Organisations

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the proportion of services commissioned under the dynamic framework of the new planned probation model which will be provided by voluntary sector organisations.

Lucy Frazer: All probation services to be commissioned under the Dynamic Framework will be competed and awarded to the preferred bidder based on their price and quality scores. These will be awarded under fair and open competition and will not be directly awarded to framework members. We have not made any commitments as to what proportion of services will be provided by the voluntary sector. However, we have sought to design the Dynamic Framework in such a way as to reduce barriers to entry for voluntary sector organisations in order to encourage involvement of the sector in future delivery where possible.

Probation: Contracts

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department will have the power without breaching contracts to remove poorly performing innovation partners under the new planned probation model.

Lucy Frazer: The draft Probation Delivery Partner contracts are based on the Model Services Contract (a set of model terms and conditions for major services contracts produced by the Crown Commercial Service and the Government Legal Service) and will allow us to terminate (either partly or in full) contracts which are underperforming. We also have a range of levers to rectify and improve performance.

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital Margate: Coroners

Alex Sobel: To the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of coroner's inquests into baby deaths at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

Wendy Morton: Coroner services are funded by Local Authorities and the Ministry of Justice does not hold the information requested. Inquests into deaths at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital fall within the jurisdiction of the North East Kent Coroner Area where Kent County Council is the lead authority.

Prisoners: Terrorism

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what processes are in place for the monitoring of people serving sentences for offences under the (a) Terrorism Act 2000 and (b) Terrorism Act 2006.

Lucy Frazer: In 2017 a new joint HMPPS and Home Office Extremism Unit was created to be the strategic centre for all counter terrorism work in prison and probation, and to drive closer working with policy and law enforcement partners. We take the threat posed by terrorist offenders very seriously and this is a key part of our work to improve safety in our prisons, and in the community for those under probation supervision.We have a range of capabilities to manage the risk posed by terrorist offenders, and to support their disengagement and rehabilitation. Risk management is underpinned through a counter terrorism case management process, which includes a network of specialist counter terrorism officers based in prisons and probation services across England and Wales.We adopt a multi-agency approach, which allows risk assessments and intelligence to be shared appropriately with the police and security service. In addition, we use interventions – psychological, ideological and theological – to help encourage and facilitate desistance and disengagement, support reintegration into society, and reduce the risk of further offending.All terrorist offenders released on probation are closely managed by the National Probation Service and HMPPS.Months before a terrorist offender is released, preparations for their management begin through the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) process. This is led by HMPPS and Police, with input from other partners as required. This process ensures that a set of robust and appropriate licence conditions are drawn up for each offender. These restrictive licence conditions can include: living in approved premises; restrictions on movement and stringent curfews. Failure to adhere to conditions results in enforcement action, and could result in recall to prison.We will shortly introduce emergency legislation to end the automatic release of terrorist offenders. This will apply to all serving prisoners. Release before the end of their sentence will be dependent on a risk assessment by the Parole Board.

Probation: Contracts

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many expressions of interest he has received to operate innovation partner contracts under the new planned probation model.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the timescale is for the full implementation of the new planned probation model.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether all staff employed by community rehabilitation companies will be employed on the same terms as National Probation Service staff following the transition to the new planned probation model.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the value of all Innovation Partner contracts under the new planned probation model.

Lucy Frazer: We are planning to implement the new model for probation services by June 2021. The competition for Probation Delivery Partner contracts is well underway and we have received sufficient bids for a viable and healthy competition. The total potential Probation Delivery Partner contract value, as published in the Official Journal of the European Union, is £1.26 billion over 8 years. We will launch the competition for providers for the Dynamic Framework competition in the coming months.All staff that transfer to the National Probation Service will become civil servants upon transfer. It is our intention to harmonise terms and conditions for this group on transfer as this is a key enabler of the forthcoming changes. However, this is subject to ongoing negotiations with Trade Unions.

Offences against Children: Convictions

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many convictions there have been for child sexual abuse committed in the (a) 1970s and (b) 1980s since the police service began the national operation coordinating claims of non-recent child sexual abuse in 2014.

Chris Philp: The question seeks statistics on convictions arising from Operation Hydrant, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) co-ordination hub established in June 2014, to deliver the national policing response, oversight, and coordination of historic child sexual abuse cases. The hub covers investigations concerning persons of public prominence, or in relation to those offences which took place within institutional settings. Statistics produced by Operation Hydrant are not comparable with national crime statistics as some suspects could be charged with more than one offence. The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings database holds information on people who have been proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for specific criminal offences in England and Wales. However, this system only captures information on the principal offence for which a person was convicted and does not specifically refer to cases that are part of Operation Hydrant. A further breakdown of data held on the court proceedings database shows that there have been 3,318 convictions in total for historic child abuse offences (where the abuse occurred in the period 1 January 1970 to 31 December 1989). Specifically, this includes 1409 cases in the 1970s and 1909 in the 1980s. These cases cover convictions where:there was at least one count of child sexual abuse on the indictment;the offence fell within the Home Office sexual offences group;we know that the victim was under the age of 16 at the time of the offence; andthe defendant pleaded guilty or was found guilty of at least one count of child sexual abuse on 1 July 2014 or later Where a defendant has committed an offence in both the 1970s and the 1980s, these are accounted for separately. The data provided covers the period up to 30 September 2019.

Offences against Children: Victims

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he has taken to ensure that victims of child sexual exploitation are not refused compensation as a result of criminal convictions obtained during the period in which those victims were abused.

Wendy Morton: The Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring every victim gets the compensation to which they are entitled. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme states that if an applicant has an unspent conviction which resulted in a community or custodial sentence, an award of compensation cannot be made. This is in no way intended to diminish the fact that applicants with unspent criminal convictions may have been victims of serious crimes. This rule exists as these applicants may have caused distress, loss or injury to another person through the offence for which they were convicted. A review of the Scheme is underway, looking at its eligibility rules and requirements around decision-making. The review will take account of the findings and recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which continues to investigate compensation, redress and support for victims. It will also consider the difficulties faced by some when applying for compensation, highlighted by the previous Victims’ Commissioner in the report, Compensation without re-traumatisation. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority has strengthened its decision-making process on applications relating to child sexual exploitation. The Authority has also improved staff training and guidance to help get decisions right the first time.

Rape: Victims

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what engagement there has been with victims of sexual violence as part of the cross-Government end-to-end review of the criminal justice system handling of rape cases.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many meetings related to the cross-Government end-to-end review of the criminal justice system handling of rape cases have taken place with the (a) National Criminal Justice Board and (b) victims and survivors stakeholder group since March 2019.

Chris Philp: The Government recognises that the decline in the number of rape and serious sexual offences being charged and prosecuted in England and Wales is a cause for concern, and we are determined to do everything we can to ensure these appalling crimes are tackled effectively and victims are supported.The end-to-end review was commissioned in March 2019 by the National Criminal Justice Board (CJB). A sub-group of the CJB is driving forward this review and met in April 2019, June 2019 and October 2019. The sub-group includes representation from across the criminal justice system, and many members regularly engage with victims and victims’ groups.In addition, the review has established a Stakeholder Reference Group, which is made up of victim organisations, which is consulted to ensure the inclusion of the victim experience and to provide independent scrutiny. This group met in May 2019 and February 2020, and has been involved in development of some of the research carried out as part of the review. A number of members have played crucial roles in engagement with agencies and practitioners, helping to facilitate and attending relevant focus groups.In addition to the work of the undertaken by the Reference Group in the context of the review, we regularly consult with victims’ groups to inform our wider work on issues relevant to victims of sexual violence, such as reforms to the Victims’ Code and the Rape Victims’ Pledge. The Lord Chancellor hosted a roundtable in September 2019 which focused on victims of sexual violence and was attended by those with lived experience and a number of members of the Reference Group.

Department for International Trade

Department for International Trade: Reviews

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if she will publish the titles of the reviews that her Department is undertaking.

Conor Burns: The Department for International Trade is not conducting any formal reviews into areas of public policy for which it has responsibility.

Overseas Trade: Coronavirus

Mrs Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential effect of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak on UK trade.

Conor Burns: We are monitoring the coronavirus outbreak as the situation develops including the potential effects on UK trade.

Trade Agreements

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions she has had with her Canadian counterpart on gender-based impact assessments of free trade agreements.

Conor Burns: The Government is committed to pursuing trade agreements which are not only free but fair, and which advance women’s economic empowerment.  We are exploring the best domestic and international approaches and seeking to cooperate with our international partners on how to increase women’s ability to access the benefits of trade. A strategic partnership was established between the UK and Canada in 2017, which includes a working group on gender equality. The Department for International Trade has participated in the trade and women’s economic empowerment workstream which focuses on sharing best practice.

Trade Agreements: Disclosure of Information

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps she is taking to ensure public scrutiny of future free trade agreements.

Conor Burns: The government is committed to ensuring that our trade policy is subject to appropriate public scrutiny and informed by the views of a diverse range of stakeholders. To date this has included leading one of the largest consultation exercises run by the UK Government, and regular events and briefings across the UK. We have also established the Strategic Trade Advisory Group and network of Expert Trade Advisory Groups that bring together a wide variety of stakeholders, from businesses to civil society organisations, to help inform our trade policy.

Trade Agreements

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of undertaking gender-based impact assessments (a) prior to and (b) after the enforcement of free trade agreements.

Conor Burns: The UK is committed to promoting gender equality in the UK and around the world. The Department for International Trade has set out its intention to publish scoping assessments for new free trade agreements, prior to negotiations commencing. The scoping assessment will provide preliminary assessments of the potential implications for different groups of the labour market. Specifically it will assess whether there are any disproportionate impacts on groups with protected characteristics. Such assessments will continue to inform the implementation of agreements.

Trade Agreements: China

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the publication of negotiation objectives for trade deals with China.

Conor Burns: We are not currently negotiating a free trade agreement with China. China is an important trading partner for the UK, and we are pursuing increased bilateral trade.

Trade Missions

Carla Lockhart: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many trade missions are planned by his Department in the next six months; and how businesses are identified for participation in those missions.

Graham Stuart: The Department for International Trade has 131 Trade Missions currently planned over the next six months. Businesses are identified through Trade Associations and our UK-wide business networks.

Trade Promotion: Food

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps she is taking to promote British food and drink exports in foreign markets.

Graham Stuart: The Department for International Trade (DIT) promotes UK food and drink excellence globally. We have dedicated food and drink export advisers both throughout the UK and globally who deliver a wide range of activities in support of our food and drink producers. These activities include brokered meetings with key overseas food and drink importers and retailers, trade missions, financial support for companies to exhibit at overseas trade fairs, as well as showcasing events aiming at changing perceptions of UK food and drink. DIT also works in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and industry to target specific market access issues, helping to open markets overseas for high quality UK produce.

UK Export Finance: Debts Written Off

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what value of sovereign debt has been written off by UK Export Finance or its predecessors in relation to (a) Iran, (b) Iraq and (c) Jordan since 1970.

Conor Burns: In respect of export credit guarantee instalments that have fallen due since 1970, please note the following. Iran: Iran has repaid principal and contractual interest in full. In alignment with other export credit agencies, UK Export Finance (UKEF) has cancelled default interest. The value of this was around £530k. Iraq: Under the United Kingdom/Iraq Debt Agreement No 1, which was signed in 2006 and which implemented the terms of Iraq’s 2004 multilateral Paris Club debt treatment, UKEF cancelled around £1bn of debt. Jordan: In 2008, following Jordan’s early repayment of its outstanding Paris Club debt, Paris Club creditors agreed a global discount of 11% for the early repayment. In line with this agreement, UKEF cancelled around £42m in debt. In addition, a number of debt conversions involving Jordan took place between 2001 and 2006 which resulted in the cancellation of around £39m of debt.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

High Rise Flats: Insulation

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2020 to Question 5443 on High Rise Flats: Insulation, whether the Building Research Establishment report into the fire at the Cube building in Bolton will be published.

Esther McVey: Information from the Report has been shared with the Expert Panel, Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Vagrancy Act 1824

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the timetable is for conclusion of the review of the Vagrancy Act 1824.

Luke Hall: The cross-Government Rough Sleeping Strategy, which was published in August 2018, committed to reviewing homelessness and rough sleeping legislation, including the Vagrancy Act 1824 by March 2020.

Councillors: Misconduct

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress he has made in implementing recommendations 20 and 21 of the Committee on Standards in Public Life review of local government ethical standards relating to misconduct by town and parish councillors; and if he will make a statement.

Luke Hall: The Committee on Standards in Public Life report of their review recommends some strengthening of the local government standards and conduct system with numerous legislative changes and amendments. Of the 26 recommendations, 22 were aimed at Government and we have been considering these carefully. I will be issuing the Government response to the report in due course.

Parish Councils: Staff

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many town and parish council clerks have (a) resigned, (b) taken long-term sick leave and (c) been placed on long-term suspension as a result of (i) bullying by councillors and members of the community and (ii) refusing to implement ultra-vires decisions of the council in each of the last three years; and what recourse is available to clerks that (A) are subjected to bullying by councillors and members of the community and (B) refuse to implement ultra-vires decisions of the council.

Luke Hall: We do not hold this information. Local authorities – including parish councils - are independent employers, responsible for the management and organisation of their own workforce, including on pay, redundancy and other terms and conditions. Any employee subjected to bullying or harassment may find it helpful to speak to ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), who offer independent and impartial help to employees.

Parish Councils: Staff

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what sanctions are (a) available and (b) proposed for use against town and parish (i) councils that implement ultra-vires decisions and (ii) councillors that instruct clerks to implement ultra-vires decisions leading to the resignation of those clerks; and what mechanisms there are to enforce those sanctions.

Luke Hall: The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 enables local electors to ask the auditor of a parish council to apply to the High Court for a declaration that an item of account is ultra vires or unlawful, or to issue a report on matters which are in the public interest (‘a public interest report’). The auditor may also make such a declaration or issue a public interest report without any request from a local elector. The council is required to publicly respond to any report in the public interest issued by the auditor.Under the Localism Act 2011 parish councils are required to adopt a code of conduct for members. Parish councillors that fail to observe the highest standards of conduct in their civic role may be investigated by the principal council’s monitoring officer on receipt of a complaint. Currently, the parish council may locally determine its response, following advice from the Monitoring Officer or legal team and the involvement of an independent person to advise the council before it makes a decision.

Parish Councils: Expenditure

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much and what proportion of spending by town and parish councils that was found to be ultra vires was recovered in each of the last three years; and through what mechanisms that ultra-vires spending was recovered.

Luke Hall: We do not hold information relating to ultra vires spending in parish councils.

Parish Councils: Audit

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent comparative assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the reporting requirements under the system of external auditors and under the previous audit commission arrangements for town and parish councils.

Luke Hall: The Government has asked Sir Tony Redmond to undertake an independent review of the arrangements in place to support the transparency and quality of local authority financial reporting and external audit in England. The scope of the review includes the arrangements in place for town and parish councils. Sir Tony will publish his report in due course.

Homelessness: Enfield

Feryal Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding allocated to Enfield Council's homelessness services provision.

Luke Hall: In 2020/2021 we are providing £437 million to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. This marks a £69 million increase in funding from the previous year. Funding given to local authorities seeks to address local homelessness and rough sleeping variation and is allocated according to demand in their areas.Every local authority in England works directly with a specialist homelessness adviser from MHCLG, who engage with councils on an ongoing basis in order to help in ensuring that they are provided with the necessary resources and information to address homelessness in their locality.Further to their work on homelessness, Enfield was identified as an area that would benefit from additional support around rough sleeping and was accordingly assigned a specialist rough sleeping adviser. This adviser works closely with the local authority in order to support and develop their work to tackle rough sleeping in their area and deliver their MHCLG funded interventions.In terms of specific funding streams allocated to Enfield Council’s homelessness services provision, they have received:£7,163,422 in Flexible Homelessness Support Grant in 2019/20 and the same amount for 2020/21. This funding is allocated based on a formula that reflects relative homeless pressures.£398,287 in New Burdens fund in 2019/20, to assist with the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act. They have now been allocated £1,184,670 in Homelessness Reduction Grant funding for 2020/21, which provides an uplift on the new burdens funding allocated to implement the Homelessness Reduction Act. It will enable local authorities to do more to prevent and relieve homelessness in their areas. This is an increase of £786,383 in relation to their previous year’s New Burdens allocation, making them the borough with the 6th largest uplift nationally.£450,000 allocated in PRS Access Scheme funding in 2019/20, for a project designed to increase access and sustainment of tenancies in the private rented sector for those who are, or are at risk of becoming, homeless.£699,000 in the form of their Rough Sleeping Initiative grant for 2020/21, which is an increase of £458,629 in comparison to the £20,371 in Rapid Rehousing Pathway funding and £220,000 Rough Sleeping Initiative funding they received in 2019/20, which were combined for this year’s Rough Sleeping Initiative grant.

Families: Disadvantaged

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to extend the Troubled Families programme beyond 2021.

Luke Hall: The Troubled Families Programme (England only) is working to achieve significant and sustained progress with families struggling with multiple complex needs such as worklessness and debt, health problems, including drug and alcohol addiction, and involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour. The additional funding of up to £165 million that has been made available to extend the programme for an extra year means that it is now backed by up to £1.085 billion of government investment. This will mean more people in need get access to the programme's early, practical and coordinated support to transform their lives for the better. We want to build on the success of the programme in the coming year, delivering on the manifesto commitment to ensure the programme reaches all those who could benefit – from the early years and throughout their lives. We are currently considering options and next steps.

Night Shelters: Dogs

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling more homeless shelters to accommodate dogs overnight with their owners.

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to enable the provision of dog-friendly communal rooms in homeless shelters.

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the extent of adjustments to homeless shelters that would be needed to accommodate dogs belonging to homeless people.

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will he make an estimate of the number and proportion of temporary shelters that are equipped to accommodate the pets of homeless people.

Luke Hall: We do not hold data on the number and proportion of temporary shelters that are equipped to accommodate the pets of homeless people.We know that a dog can be an incredibly important companion for those rough sleeping rough. Many night shelters or similar emergency accommodation schemes, funded through the Government’s Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI), have provision for people’s pets – or the flexibility to provide accommodation with this provision. For example, the RSI funded services in Gloucestershire link closely with the charity StreetVet - who provide treatment and ongoing support for homeless people’s pets.

Public Lavatories: Non-domestic Rates

Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals in respect of the non-domestic rating of public lavatories.

Luke Hall: The Government recognises that local authority owned public toilets are valuable community amenities. However, primary legislation would be required to provide business rates relief for public toilets owned by principal local authorities and parish councils, as such bodies cannot currently have their rates bills reduced through reliefs. The Non-Domestic Rating (Lavatories) Bill, which would have resolved this matter, fell when Parliament was dissolved. The Government will consider reintroducing the measure in due course.

Buildings: Insulation

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information his  Department holds on leaseholders who have been forced to declare bankruptcy because of inability to pay combustible building cladding remediation costs.

Esther McVey: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Homelessness: Families

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the level of compliance of local authorities with the (a) affordability and (b) suitability criteria under the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 when placing homeless households out-of-borough.

Luke Hall: As the legislation and guidance sets out, the Government is clear that local authorities should, as far as possible, avoid placing households out of their borough. However, in some areas where there is a limited supply of suitable accommodation, we are aware that, on occasion, it is necessary to place households in temporary accommodation outside of the local area. This should be as a last resort.If a local authority places a household into accommodation in another local area, they are required by law to notify the receiving local authority of any placement, to ensure there is no disruption to schooling, employment and other vital services.In order to support local authorities, the Government has put in place bespoke support in the form of the Homelessness Advice and Support Team, a group of specialist advisors drawn from authorities and charities with expertise in the homelessness sector. The team has contact with all 326 local authorities to provide challenge, advice, and support on issues such as out of borough placements.

Buildings: Fire Prevention

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effect of remedial fire safety works other than the replacement of ACM cladding on the ability of Housing Associations to develop new affordable housing.

Esther McVey: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Clubs: Non-domestic Rates

Conor McGinn: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the proposed reduction in business rates for pubs will include clubs in local communities.

Luke Hall: The Department published guidance to help local authorities implement the business rates pubs discount. The guidance set out the eligibility criteria for the £1000 discount for pubs with a rateable value of less than £100,000. The guidance also set out the Government’s policy intention that to be eligible premises should; be open to the general public, allow free entry other than when occasional entertainment is provided, allow drinking without requiring food to be consumed; and permit drinks to be purchased at a bar.The guidance can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/business-rates-pubs-discount-2020-to-2021-local-authority-guidance

Buildings: Fire Prevention

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 05 February 2020, to Question 5442, on Buildings: Fire Prevention, whether the Expert Panel has concluded that High Pressure Laminate D class cladding is less dangerous than Aluminium Composite Material Cladding with a Fire retardant (FR) polyethylene core.

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 5 February 2020 to Question 5442 on Buildings: Fire Prevention, whether the Expert Panel has concluded that High Pressure Laminate D class cladding with combustible insulation is more dangerous than Aluminium Composite Material Fire retardant (FR) cladding with combustible insulation.

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 5 February 2020 to Question 5442 on Buildings: Fire Prevention, whether the Expert Panel has concluded that High Pressure Laminate D class cladding has a higher calorific potential than all Aluminium Composite Material cladding.

Esther McVey: I refer the Hon Member to my answer to Question UIN 6113 on 21 January 2020. The results of the bespoke non-ACM tests  research will be published shortly.

Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces: Housing

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the condition of mess accommodation; and if he will make a statement.

Johnny Mercer: The Department uses two assessment methodologies to review the condition of 'mess accommodation' otherwise known as Single Living Accommodation (SLA).Facilities Condition Management (FCM) assesses the fabric and services of all buildings across the Defence Estate. Specific to SLA, a Four Tier Grading system also measures accommodation against additional internal criteria. The combined results provide a more accurate assessment of the overall condition of the SLA.The overall condition of the UK SLA estate is currently assessed as 'Fair' indicating that a proportion of the estate will require minor repairs and some infrequent larger repairs within three to five years. Each Service prioritises investment in their SLA based on the outcome of these assessments.

Veterans: Employment

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence,  how much Government funding was received by Right Management Limited for work carried out as part of the Career Transition Partnership programme for veterans in each of the last three years; and how many (a) veterans were assisted and (b) jobs were secured for veterans as a result of assistance by that company in each of those years.

Johnny Mercer: Government funding paid to Right Management Limited, the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) contractor, for activities undertaken to assist Service leavers into employment in the last three Financial Years (FY) is as follows:FY 2016-17: £10,118,080.99FY 2017-18: £9,541,718.36FY 2018-19: £9,453,024.23Defence Statistics publish an annual Official Statistics report covering the employment outcomes of those Service leavers who accessed CTP employment support. Those statistics, including for FY 2016-17 and 2017-18, can be found at the following website:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/career-transition-partnership-ex-service-personnel-employment-outcomes-statistics-index.Statistics for FY 2018-19 will be published on 27 February 2020 at the same address.

Military Aircraft: Low Flying

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much compensation his Department has paid to Welsh farmers for cattle abortions as a result of low flying aircraft activity in each of the last five years.

James Heappey: The Ministry of Defence has not made any payments to farmers in Wales to compensate them for the loss of livestock through cattle abortions in the last five years.

International Military Services  (Saudi Arabia)

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reasons IMS (Saudi Arabia) Limited, which existed from 31 August 1977 to 1 October 2002, was not dissolved at the time it ceased trading in January 1985.

James Heappey: A core team was retained within IMS Ltd to handle, for example, ongoing supply commitments. When this work was concluded, IMS Ltd ceased trading on 17 February 2010, as noted in the IMS Ltd. "Annual Report and Financial Statements" for the year ended 31 December 2010, which can be accessed via the Companies House website.

International Military Services (Saudi Arabia)

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the primary (a) activities and (b) contracts were of IMS (Saudi Arabia) Limited, which existed from 31 August 1977 to 1 October 2002, and which ceased trading in January 1985.

James Heappey: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

International Military Services: Debts

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the value is of the receivables in his Department's accounts for money owed to his Department by IMS Ltd in relation to monies paid into court (a) at 31 March 2019 and (b) at 31 January 2020.

James Heappey: In the Department's accounts to 31 March 2019 there was a prepayment in the Trade Receivables and Other Assets note of £451 million which relates to IMS Ltd. We do not produce accounts to 31 January 2020; the accounts to 31 March 2020 are planned to be published in July 2020.

Department for Work and Pensions

Pensions: Reciprocal Arrangements

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, which nations the UK has reciprocal pensions agreements with; when those agreements were signed; and if she will make a statement.

Guy Opperman: The UK has reciprocal social security agreements covering pensions with the countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) listed in the table below. Social security and pension rights for people who have moved between the UK and the EEA countries and Switzerland are regulated by the EU social security coordination regulations. These regulations will remain in force until the end of the transition period, and will continue to apply after that period for individuals in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement. CountryDate of SignatureBarbados7 January 1992Bermuda13 October 1969 (London) 23 October 1969 (Hamilton)Ireland11 February 2019Israel25 April 1957Jamaica12 November 1996Mauritius22 April 1981New Zealand1 November 1983The Philippines27 February 1985Turkey9 September 1959USA13 February 1984Former Yugoslavia224 May 19581 The agreement with Ireland maintains the social security and pensions rights associated with the Common Travel Area after the UK’s exit from the EU.2 The agreement with Yugoslavia continues to be applied bilaterally, and with their consent, to the now separate republics – Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Pensions: Veterans

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions her Department has had with the Ministry of Defence on the effect on veterans of the freeze on pensions for UK citizens living overseas.

Guy Opperman: The Ministry of Defence have not raised the issue of frozen pensions for UK citizens living overseas with the Department for Work and Pensions. Therefore, no discussions have taken place between the two departments on this issue.

Pensions: Reciprocal Arrangements

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when (a) she and (b) her officials last discussed reciprocal pensions agreements with their counterparts in (i) individual EU member states, (ii) Canada and (iii) Australia.

Guy Opperman: The Government has agreed reciprocal social security arrangements for those covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. The Government has made clear that it intends to discuss social security coordination in the upcoming negotiations with the EU. Discussions took place with Ireland in 2018 in the context of our commitment to maintain the rights associated with the Common Travel Area after the UK’s exit from the EU. This led to the signing of a reciprocal social security agreement on 1 February 2019, protecting the social security benefit and pension rights of UK and Irish nationals living and/or working in either state. The agreement will come into force on 1 January 2021. There have been no recent discussions with Canada and Australia on reciprocal pension agreements.

Universal Credit

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to review the effect of the three month relevant period limitation on universal credit claimants with long-term illnesses.

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit claimants have had claims restricted or rejected because of relevant period regulations in (a) 2017, (b) 2018 and (c) 2019.

Justin Tomlinson: The Department does not centrally collect data surrounding the volume of Universal Credit claimants who have had claims restricted or rejected because of relevant period regulations. For those who claim Universal Credit on health grounds, we generally determine if the claimant has limited capability for work (LCW), limited capability for work and work related activity (LCWRA) or is fit for work, based on the advice given by the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments’ health care professional who carried out the claimant’s work capability assessment (WCA). Where the claimant is determined to have LCWRA, an additional amount of benefit may be awarded. This additional amount will be included in the Universal Credit award from the first full assessment period after the 3 month relevant period ends. The 3 month relevant period in Universal Credit mirrors the 13-week assessment phase in Employment and Support Allowance and is used, in both benefits, to establish whether the claimant has a long-term health condition or a short term illness, and also ensures a consistent date of application, as there may be fluctuations in times taken to process and apply a decision following a WCA.

Social Security Benefits

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of expenditure on welfare benefits payments was classified as overpaid in each of the last 10 years.

Will Quince: The Department for Work and Pensions administers over 25 benefits, ensuring that the very different conditions of entitlement are met in each individual instance. We publish annual figures on the amount we estimate has been overpaid under the title ‘Fraud and Error in the Benefit System’. The percentage of benefit expenditure estimated to have been overpaid for each of the last 10 years can be found in the table below. YearAmount overpaid as a percentage of the Department’s expenditure2009/102.2%2010/112.1%2011/122.1%2012/132.1%2013/142.1%2014/151.8%2015/161.9%2016/172.0%2017/182.2%2018/192.2% The Department for Work and Pensions has worked hard to deliver major welfare reform during much of this period, all whilst limiting fraud and error to 2.2% or less. We continue to focus on preventing loss before it occurs, which is in everyone’s interest. Sophisticated data matching rules are increasingly allowing us to cross check what claimants tell us, with potential discrepancies being routed to our fraud investigators. We are constantly exploring the use of new data sources, which will improve this process still further.

Social Security Benefits: Terrorism

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of removing entitlement to benefits from people convicted of terrorism offences.

Will Quince: The Government’s assessment is that someone who has been convicted of a crime and is serving a custodial sentence should not be receiving benefits. That is why the Department’s policy is to stop benefits where people have been convicted and go to prison. This includes convictions for acts of terrorism.

Universal Credit

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent steps she has taken to ensure that universal credit claimants paying rent weekly do not face a one-week shortfall in their UC housing element in 2020.

Will Quince: Neither tenants or landlords lose a week’s rent in a 53 weekly rent payment year as has been alleged; no year contains 53 weeks. The problem is alignment between weekly and monthly cycles. Each month the UC housing element is a constant figure but claimants with weekly tenancy agreements will be required to make either four or five rent payments within this period. If the claimant always pays their rent on time, in five payment months they are effectively making payment for part of the following month. That month will always be a four rent payment month, so the combination of the advance payment and the ‘overpayment’ of housing support during that month will result in the correct amount of housing element being paid. Where a landlord charges rent weekly on a Monday, because of the way the calendar falls every 5 or 6 years, they will seek 53 rent payments in a year, with the 53rd payment in part covering the tenancy for the first few days of the following year. The effect of this is that, over the course of the next housing association rental year, a tenant’s UC payments will accurately reflect their liability, irrespective of the 53 payment weeks.

Personal Independence Payment: Medical Examinations

Taiwo Owatemi: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants of personal independence payment who were assessed at home have had successful mandatory reconsideration claims in (a) Coventry North West constituency, (b) the West Midlands and (c) England.

Justin Tomlinson: The information requested is not available.

Social Security Benefits

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to improve the benefits claim process by (a) sharing assessment data between benefits and (b) making the criteria for claiming different benefits consistent.

Justin Tomlinson: DWP are developing a single, integrated service which will simplify the assessment process for millions of people claiming health related benefits. This includes, with individuals’ consent, better information sharing and re-using relevant information already held within DWP. Also by gathering better evidence earlier in the claim to enable a decision to be made without meeting face-to-face, will help reduce the number of face-to-face assessments.The criteria, entitlement and purpose of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are different as the benefits are paid for different reasons. ESA is an income replacement benefit for working age people, with entitlement based on an assessment of the functional impact of a claimant’s health condition or disability on their capability for work. PIP looks at the needs arising from a claimant’s health condition or disability and is intended to act as a contribution towards meeting extra costs associated with a long-term health condition or disability.

Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment, whether her Department plans to make exempt people with long-term health problems from assessments to include people assessed before 2017.

Justin Tomlinson: Since 29 September 2017, those placed in ESA’s Support Group and the UC equivalent who have the most severe and lifelong health conditions or disabilities, whose level of function would always mean that they would have Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity, and be unlikely ever to be able to move into work, will no longer be routinely reassessed. These criteria are applied at either the initial Work Capability Assessment or for existing claimants at their next assessment. We need to ensure that we have the right and most up to date information to apply the criteria fairly and make sure we identify everyone who should benefit from it. The people who best understand how their health problem or disability affects them are the individuals themselves, and so it is only right that we ask them for their information. However, we will do this in the least intrusive way possible – the vast majority of people who will fall into this category, will be assessed on paper and will not need to attend a face-to-face assessment.

Unemployment: Ethnic Groups

Bridget Phillipson: To the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to tackle levels of unemployment among the BAME community.

Mims Davies: The Government is committed to levelling up skills and opportunity across the country. Using data from the Race Disparity Audit, first published in October 2017, and the Department for Work and Pensions own analysis we are helping those underrepresented in the labour market. Since 2010, 1,223,000 more people from ethnic minority backgrounds are in employment - that’s a 45 per cent increase in the number of ethnic minority people employed.

Social Security Benefits

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to her oral contribution of 7 October 2019, Official Report, column 1496, what recent assessment she has made of the level of minimum income that a person needs to meet essential living costs after the benefits freeze ends in 2020.

Will Quince: The Secretary of State completed her annual review of benefits and pensions in November and I refer you to her statement of 4 November: https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2019-11-04/HCWS74/ We continue to monitor the impact of our policies by assessing the trends in low income, using our annual Households Below Average Income publication.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many Animal and Plant Health Agency assurance checks are conducted in each badger cull zone to determine the numbers of active setts in those areas (a) before and (b) after annual culls take place; and if she will make a statement.

George Eustice: All cull companies are instructed to carry out a thorough sett survey programme in the spring before each cull in their area. Animal and Plant Health Agency surveyors then carry out a Quality Assurance check on at least 5% of the land parcels at random in areas between their first and second cull.

*No heading*

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many puppies were seized at the ports of a) Dover and b) Folkestone and placed in quarantine under the Puppy Pilot scheme in each month between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019.

George Eustice: The number of dogs seized and taken into quarantine at the ports of Dover and Folkestone for each month of 2019 was as follows. YearMonthInspection locationPuppies Quarantined2019JanuaryEurotunnel5Dover10FebruaryEurotunnel2Dover4MarchEurotunnel2Dover12AprilEurotunnel5Dover5MayEurotunnel3Dover9JuneEurotunnel7Dover8JulyEurotunnel0Dover0AugustEurotunnel11Dover3SeptemberEurotunnel6Dover2OctoberEurotunnel5Dover5NovemberEurotunnel6Dover7DecemberEurotunnel0Dover17 The number of animals detained in quarantine for Eurotunnel may also include dogs that were seized at Coquelles and moved into the United Kingdom for quarantine purposes.

Agricultural Machinery: Exhaust Emissions

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support the Government plans to provide for farmers to de-carbonise agricultural vehicles.

George Eustice: The Government is committed to take action to mitigate climate change and to adapt to its impact. We have committed significant funding for agri-tech innovation, including research and development to move us towards net zero farming systems. We will offer financial assistance to enable farmers, foresters, and growers to invest in the equipment, technology, and infrastructure that they need, to improve their productivity, manage the environment sustainably, and deliver other public goods. In addition, The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from fuel supplied for use in transport. The RTFO is a certificate trading scheme which rewards those supplying low carbon fuels in the UK for use in road vehicles and some other forms of transport, including tractors. Low carbon fuels supplied under the RTFO saved 2.88 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in just the last three quarters of 2018. The Government has nearly doubled targets for supply from 2018 to 2020, and set further targets out to 2032, providing investment certainty. Agricultural fuel and energy use represent around 1% of the total UK emissions, and constitutes just 10% of agricultural sector emissions.

Animal Products: Competition

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the effect a mutual recognition agreement with the US on animal welfare standards on the competitiveness of UK animal produce in the UK market.

George Eustice: US animal products are produced to a range of US animal welfare standards, partly because some US regulatory requirements apply at state level and others apply at federal level. Industry farm assurance schemes also exist in the United States and involve scheme members meeting scheme standards, which may exceed US regulatory requirements. The quality standards which apply to particular products imported from the US also reflect the commercial supply chain requirements of the importer, which may exceed the baseline regulatory standards applying in the US.

Game: Animal Breeding

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will publish her Department's response to the Wild Justice Challenge on the effect of rearing gamebirds on Sites of Special Scientific Interest; and if she will make a statement.

Rebecca Pow: Defra can confirm that the Secretary of State will make a statement shortly. In summary, in response to a pre-action protocol letter from Wild Justice (WJ) in July 2019, last September Defra accepted in its reply that in principle the release of non-native gamebirds on, or affecting, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) could constitute a “plan or project” requiring appropriate assessment under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. Whether they will actually do so in any given case will depend on whether they may have a significant effect on the specific SPA or SAC in question. This will depend in turn on the nature of the activities, the features and condition of the SPA or SAC, the distance from the SPA or SAC where the activities are carried out and the possible effects of the activities. While not accepting the argument that current laws do not provide for appropriate assessment in such cases, we proposed to undertake a review to consider the legislative arrangements around the relevant activities and whether there were ways in which their effectiveness could be improved. WJ’s recent pre-action protocol letter of 20 January 2020 essentially demanded that the Secretary of State should provide the timetable and terms of reference for the legislative review and confirm that the Secretary of State will proscribe or regulate gamebird releases within 5km of any SPA or SAC before gamebird introductions commence in Summer 2020. Defra confirmed in its response to WJ that work on the review is underway and that we will announce further details in the coming weeks. Defra confirmed that the review will include, though will not be limited to, consideration of the section 28E Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 consenting process and the use of Special Nature Conservation Orders in relation to non-native gamebirds release, specifically common pheasant and red-legged partridge, as well as exploring other possible options that might be used so that such releases can be subject to appropriate assessment where appropriate. Defra explained that the object of the review is to identify the most suitable approach, and that the Secretary of State will not take any steps that pre-empt the outcome. Given the scope of what is involved, Defra stated that it is not in its view reasonable nor realistic to expect measures to be implemented before summer/autumn 2020.

Home Office

Police: Standards

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what performance targets her Department sets for the police.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of performance targets in improving policing.

Kit Malthouse: Prior to 2010, police performance targets were set by the Home Office. These were abolished in that year by the incoming administration. In 2015, the then Home Secretary commissioned Chief Superintendent Irene Curtis to produce a review of the broader use of targets in Policing.

Asylum: Detainees

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people applied for asylum from detention in 2019.

Victoria Atkins: Migrants, including asylum claimants, may be detained for immigration purposes only in accordance with Home Office detention policy, as set out in Detention general guidance and adults at risk in immigration detention. The detention decision must always be made on the basis of the individual’s particular circumstances and eligibility for detention.If at any time it is concluded that a particular detainee’s ongoing detention would not be appropriate, the individual must be released, with bail conditions appropriate to their particular circumstances.Most people detained under immigration powers spend only short periods in detention. At any one time, 95% of those liable to be detained, are instead managed in the community.We do not currently hold the data in the format you have requested, however published data on the number of Asylum claims made can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/asylum-and-resettlement-datasetshttps://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-year-ending-september-2019The great majority of asylum claims are processed in the non-detained system, with claimants living in the community. Only a small minority of claimants are detained whilst their claim is considered.

Asylum: Employment

Steve Double: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress she has made on her Departments review of the restrictions that prevent asylum seekers from working.

Victoria Atkins: Asylum seeker right to work is a complex issue and it is crucial we take the time to get this right. We are listening carefully to the arguments and considering the evidence put forward on the issue. Work on the review is ongoing.

Domestic Abuse: Convictions

Sarah Owen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to increase conviction rates for coercive control.

Victoria Atkins: The Government’s domestic abuse consultation in 2018 asked whether further action should be taken to strengthen the coercive control offence introduced in 2015. In the response to that consultation the Government agreed to update the statutory guidance and Crown Prosecution Service legal guidance on the offence. The Home Office will also work with other departments to improve understanding of the offence throughout the justice system, and seek to dispel stereotypes by promoting the updated statutory guidance for the offence through the courts and justice system. This will help to increase the number of cases that are brought, charged and convicted under this offence. We have been reviewing the effectiveness of the existing coercive control legislation, both in terms of understanding and awareness, but also how adequately the legislation protects victims of this type of abuse. The findings of the review will be announced later this year. In 2018/19, the conviction rate across all domestic abuse-related offences was 76.5% - the highest rate ever recorded.

Visas: Domestic Service

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of people in the UK on a six month domestic work visa and who entered the National Referral Mechanism received a reasonable grounds decision after their visa expired in the last two years.

Victoria Atkins: The Home Office publishes quarterly statistics regarding the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-referral-mechanism-statistics-quarter-3-2019-july-to-september and the UK Annual Report on Modern Slavery which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2019-uk-annual-report-on-modern-slavery. In addition Home Office statistics on domestic work visas can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-statistics Visa information and NRM information are held on separate databases. Cross matching data between the two databases is not straightforward as the two datasets do not contain a common unique identifier.

Undocumented Migrants: Employment

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been prosecuted under section 21 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 since July 2016.

Victoria Atkins: Since July 2016, under section 21 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 there have been 3 people prosecuted.Immigration Enforcement will review investigations into employers on a case by case basis to see whether a civil penalty is a more appropriate course of action rather than a criminal prosecution. Where there are no aggravating factors, it is more likely that civil penalty action will be undertaken to enforce compliance. Data on the number of penalties issued under section 15 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, and the total value of those penalties are published on gov.uk. A total of 5,856 civil penalties were issued between July 2016 and June 2019, with a total value of £100.1m.

Hate Crime: Religious Buildings

Sarah Owen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many incidents of hate crime at places of worship were recorded in each year since 2010.

Victoria Atkins: The Home Office collects and publishes statistics annually on the number of religious hate crime offences recorded by the police in England and Wales. However, information on the location of these offences is not collected. The latest ‘Hate Crime, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2018-to-2019

Asylum

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to Answer of 22 May 2019 to Question 254747 on Asylum: Religion, when she plans to update the house on the progress of the review into the way asylum claims based on religious grounds and LGBT+ grounds are assessed.

Victoria Atkins: The review into the way asylum claims on the basis of religious and LGBT+ grounds are assessed has been completed.An action plan has been formed and we will ensure that this is acted upon appropriately. We do not have any plans to publish the findings of this internal review.We continue to work to improve the quality and accuracy of decision-making to ensure that we get decisions right first time. This includes assuring that we properly consider all evidence provided by applicants in order to reduce the proportion of allowed appeals, analysing the reasons for allowed appeals and using this to inform and further improve guidance and training for decision making staff.

Radicalism

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress her Department has made on implementing the 2015 counter-extremism strategy; and if she will make a statement.

Victoria Atkins: The Government is committed to tackling all forms of extremism under its Counter-Extremism Strategy published in October 2015. The strategy sets out a programme of action to build our understanding of extremism, to challenge extremism and disrupt extremist activity and to strengthen communities and institutions so that they are better able to resist extremist narratives by building partnerships with all those opposed to extremism.Three examples of progress we have made in implementing the 2015 strategy are as follows. This list is not exhaustive;Strengthened communities and challenged extremist narratives and ideologies through our Building a Stronger Britain Together programme. An evaluation of the programme was published in October 2019;Strengthened institutions, including working with the Charity Commission and local authorities to make it much harder for extremists to exploit charities and gain a foothold in communities;Published an independent Sharia review in February 2018 and an extremism funding review in July 2017.The independent Commissioner for Countering Extremism has assessed that the Government has delivered the majority of commitments in the 2015 Strategy in her report published on 7 October 2019. The Government will publish a final assessment of the strategy when it comes to an end.

Members: Correspondence

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her oral contribution of 9 January 2020, Official Report, column 588, whether she has received a response to her letter of 22 October 2019 to the European Commission on arrangements for refugee family reunion from 1 January 2021.

Victoria Atkins: Whilst the Home Secretary wrote to the EU Commission on 22 October 2019, the Commission have not yet responded. The Prime Minister made clear in his written statement to Parliament on 3 February that the UK is ready to discuss cooperation on asylum, including family reunion, with the EU.

Immigrants: Detainees

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people detained at immigration detention centres disclosed that they were victims of torture in 2019.

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people detained in immigration detention centres were assessed for being victims of torture in 2019.

Kevin Foster: Individuals who disclose they are victims of torture whilst in an Immigration Removal Centre are managed under Rule 35 of the Detention Centre Rules 2001. Data on the number of reports made by a medical practitioner under Rule 35 is published quarterly in the Immigration Enforcement transparency data (table DT_03) online at:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-dataThe Home Office does not however hold central records which make the distinction between those accepted and not accepted as being victims of torture within the Rule 35 process. We cannot therefore report on the number of individuals referred for a Rule 35 assessment that were subsequently accepted as victims of torture without reviewing individual case files, which could only be done at disproportionate cost.

Immigrants: Detainees

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people detained at an immigration detention centre attempted suicide in 2019.

Kevin Foster: Staff at all immigration removal centres are trained to identify those at risk of self-harm so that action can be taken to minimise the risk. All incidents of self-harm are treated very seriously and every step is taken to prevent incidents of this nature. Formal risk assessments on initial detention and systems for raising concerns at any subsequent point feed into established self-harm procedures in every IRC, which are in turn underpinned by the Home Office Operating Standard on the prevention of self-harm and Detention Services Order 06/2008 Assessment Care in Detention Teamwork (ACDT). The Home Office requires immigration removal centre suppliers to record management information on the number of detainees being monitored in line with self-harm and suicide prevention procedures (ACDT) and the number of incidents of self-harm that have required medical treatment. The intent of a self-harm attempt, if disclosed by an individual, is not recorded centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the criteria are for people subject to terrorism prevention and investigation measure to be charged for offences.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with the Director of Public Prosecutions on the prosecution of people subject to terrorism prevention and investigation measures.

Brandon Lewis: 1) A TPIM notice imposes certain conditions on an individual. Breach of any of those conditions is a criminal offence. Individuals subject to a TPIM are treated in the same way as anyone else who is charged with an offence. 2) Home Office Ministers have regular meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings.

Police: Counter-terrorism

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much funding her Department has allocated to police forces in England and Wales in relation to the Prevent strategy in each of the last five financial years.

Brandon Lewis: It is important that we ensure counter-terrorism policing has the resources needed to deal with the threat we face. That is why we are increasing the budget for counter-terrorism policing in 2020-21 by £90m (year-on-year), taking CT police funding to over £900m for the first time. The total CT policing funding figure is published annually as part of the Police Settlement. We do not disclose the breakdown of this figure down for security reasons.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the number of EU citizens over the age of 65 living in the UK that have not applied for settled status.

Brandon Lewis: Published information on EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) applications and concluded applications by the applicant’s age to 31 December 2019, can be found in the Home Office’s ‘EU Settlement Scheme quarterly statistics’, statistics tables, tables EUSS_02 and EUSS_04 respectively, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/eu-settlement-scheme-quarterly-statistics-december-2019.The published figures refer specifically to applications made to the EUSS and cannot be directly compared with Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates of the resident population of EU/EEA nationals in the UK. The published EUSS figures include non-EEA family members, Irish nationals, and eligible EEA citizens not resident in the UK, none of whom are usually included in ONS estimates of the resident EU population. Furthermore, the population estimates do not take account of people’s migration intentions and will include people who have come to the UK for a range of purposes, including some who have no intention to settle in the UK.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2020 to Question 3789 on Immigration: EU Nationals, how many people that applied for settled status have been granted pre-settled status.

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2020 to Question 3789 on Immigration: EU Nationals, what assessment her Department has made of the accuracy of decision-making on granting pre-settled status to EU citizens that applied for settled status.

Brandon Lewis: Published information on EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) conclusions by outcome type can be found in the Home Office’s fifth ‘EU Settlement Scheme statistics’, monthly statistics tables, table 2, available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/eu-settlement-scheme-statistics-december-2019. Applicants to the EUSS who choose to provide their National Insurance Number as part of the application process are asked to confirm whether they agree with the status that the automated checks with the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs confirm they are eligible for. In cases where the applicant does not agree the level of status offered, caseworkers work with the applicant to identify the evidence needed to be granted the status they claim to be eligible for. Nobody has been granted pre-settled status without first being offered the opportunity to submit evidence that they qualify for settled status.With regard to the accuracy of decision making, all cases in which an applicant is being granted a status other than that claimed are subject to a secondary supervisory check.

Immigration Controls: EU Nationals

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of a single location in Wales for scanning settled status application documents on vulnerable applicants in Wales.

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the effect on vulnerable people of charging a fee for scanning supporting documents for Settled Status at a single location in Wales.

Brandon Lewis: EU citizens make a huge contribution to our economy and society, and we want them to stay. The EU Settlement Scheme enables them to do so and over 3 million people have now made applications, to which more than 2.7 million have been granted status.The application process for the EU Settlement Scheme is straightforward and user-friendly, and is accessible on any smartphone, tablet or computer using internet browsers.There are multiple ways to have identity documents checked, including using the EU Exit: ID Document Check app or by posting identity documents to the Home Office. There are also over 100 locations nationwide, provided by local authorities, where applicants have their passport scanned and verified.The ID document scanning service is provided at the discretion of each local authority. The viability and cost of offering the ID document scanning service in each location is a matter for each local authority. There are currently seven local authorities participating in Wales; Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Ceredigion, Conway, Gwynedd and Rhondda Cynon Taf.The Home Office would encourage as many local authorities as possible to offer this service, and we continue to work with local government bodies across the UK to increase the provision of this service.Participating local authorities do not receive funding from central Government to provide this service. Charges for using this service, payable directly to the local authority, can be set to cover the cost of providing the service. Some local authorities have elected to provide the service for free to residents, whilst others have elected to set a fee.The Home Office has a range of structures in place nationally to support the most vulnerable people in making their application to the EU Settlement scheme, including up to £9 million grant funding for 57 voluntary and community organisations. This includes funding allocated to charities in Wales.The EUSS Grant Scheme was set up as a result of extensive engagement with voluntary and community sector organisations representing different vulnerable groups. We continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure appropriate support is in place for vulnerable applicants.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress her Department has made on circulating information on the EU Settled Status Scheme to EU citizens and communities in rural and other hard to reach areas of the UK.

Brandon Lewis: In order to ensure that resident EEA nationals and their family members understand how and by when to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, the Home Office has put in place a comprehensive communications and engagement plan, using all available channels to reach our audiences – such as marketing, presentations, email updates, toolkits and webinars.The Home Office has delivered a £4 million marketing campaign to encourage resident EEA nationals to apply and further campaign activity is planned. Alongside this campaign activity, we have also undertaken extensive engagement and outreach with stake-holder groups, including employers, local authorities and community organisations. No-one will be left behind, which is why we are working in partnership with representatives of vulnerable groups and other experts to make sure everyone knows what they need to do and has the right level of support.

Offenders: Radicalism

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department’s news story entitled Tougher sentencing and monitoring in government overhaul of terrorism response, published on 21 January 20202, what the (a) process for recruitment or selection and (b) oversight process will be for Imams tasked with challenging the beliefs of radicalised offenders.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department’s news story entitled Tougher sentencing and monitoring in government overhaul of terrorism response, published on 21 January 20202, what steps she is taking to help ensure that Imams tasked with challenging the beliefs of radicalised offenders are sufficiently independent from government.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department’s news story entitled Tougher sentencing and monitoring in government overhaul of terrorism response, published on 21 January 20202, what plans she has to consult with (a) Muslim communities and (b) Muslim leaders on proposals for specially trained Imams to assess risk of and challenge the beliefs of radicalised offenders.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department’s news story entitled Tougher sentencing and monitoring in government overhaul of terrorism response, published on 21 January 20202, what training will be given to Imams tasked with challenging the beliefs of radicalised offenders.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department’s news story entitled Tougher sentencing and monitoring in government overhaul of terrorism response, published on 21 January 20202, whether her proposals include religious leaders of faiths other than Islam being used to challenge the beliefs of radicalised offenders.

Brandon Lewis: The Government has formulated a combined response to the Member’s questions given the connected nature of the questions.23 Chaplaincy Intervention Providers (IPs) were selected to deliver the Theological and Ideological Interventions (TII) Programme in prisons which launched in January 2019.All were existing HMPPS Chaplaincy employees – recommended by HMPPS Counter-Terrorism specialist staff, and subject to Government vetting and due diligence checks. They are therefore not independent of government, but selected based on experience, knowledge and skills in challenging extremism.Existing skills are supplemented with a diverse set of training; for example, in one-to-one interventions, theology, counter-narratives, and psychology. Training is delivered and reviewed in partnership with local Counter-Terrorism teams, and other practitioners working in complementary fields.The recruitment of additional chaplains is kept under review to ensure needs are being met. We take continuous improvement seriously and consult community and academic partners wherever possible.

Immigration

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her Department's definition is of a complex immigration case; and what the criteria are for designating a case as complex.

Kevin Foster: There is no prescribed test or definition for when a case is deemed to be complex. Each case is dealt with on its own merits and, while reviewing an application, a trained caseworker will make an assessment of whether the particular circumstances of that application would deem it to be classed as complex. If a case is classed as complex the Home Office will write to the customer explaining why.

Parents: Finance

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of children whose parents have no recourse to public funds that live in (a) Lewisham Deptford constituency, (b) the London Borough of Lewisham, (c) London and (d) England.

Kevin Foster: The Home Office does not hold the data requested and information on the UK’s resident population is a matter for the independent Office for National Statistics. The no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition is applied to the leave of most migrants in the UK as a legitimate means of maintaining and protecting taxpayers funds.In those cases where leave has been, or is being, granted for family or private life reasons the NRPF condition can be lifted on application to the Home Office, including for reasons involving the welfare needs of children. In addition, immigration legislation specifically provides for assessments of child welfare needs to take place and support to be provided by a local authority under section 17 of the Children Act 1989.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department holds figures on the number of looked-after children who are (a) eligible for settled status and (b) have applied successfully for settled status.

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department holds figures on the number of vulnerable adults who are (a) eligible for settled status and (b) have applied successfully for settled status.

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department has taken to support local authorities make applications to the EU Settlement Scheme on behalf of looked-after children.

Brandon Lewis: The available published information on EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) applications and concluded applications by the applicant’s age and nationality to 31 December 2019, can be found in the Home Office’s ‘EU Settlement Scheme quarterly statistics’, statistics tables, tables EUSS_01, EUSS_02 and EUSS_04, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/eu-settlement-scheme-quarterly-statistics-december-2019.The Home Office has been engaging with relevant stakeholders such as the Department for Education, Local Government Association and Association of Directors of Children’s Services to assess the needs of looked-after children and care leavers and ensure they are supported.To support this, guidance about the EUSS to help local authorities and Health and Social Care Trusts understand their responsibilities for supporting looked-after children and care leavers and how to apply has been created and issued.A New Burdens Assessment has been produced in collaboration with key stakeholders representing local authorities and children’s social services to ensure they are adequately funded to support looked after children and care leavers who are eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.The Home Office has been holding monthly teleconferences for local authority staff who are undertaking this work. The teleconferences provide a forum to obtain information, ask questions and raise issues. A designated help line number has also been made available for local authority staff to contact trained caseworkers in the Home Office should they need to discuss any aspect of the EU Settlement Scheme, be it a specific case issue, or a matter of general information.

Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures were issued in each of the last 12 months.

Brandon Lewis: Section 19(1) of the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011 (the Act) requires ​the Secretary of State to report to Parliament as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of every relevant three-month period on the exercise of her TPIM powers under the Act during that period. The report comments on the number of TPIMs that were in force at the end of the reporting period. For operational reasons we do not comment on the number of new TPIMs that were served. The number of TPIMs in force in the last 12 months are recorded below: PeriodNo of TPIMs in force at end of the period1 December 2018 to 28 February 201941 March 2019 to 31 May 201941 June 2019 to 31 August 201931 September 2019 to 30 November 20195The numbers of TPIMs in force for the period 1 December 2019 to 29 February 2020 will be published in March 2020.

Anti-terrorism Control Orders

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is her Department’s policy to reinstate Control Orders.

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the reintroduction of Control Orders.

Brandon Lewis: Protecting the British public is the Government’s first priority.This Government is committed to ensuring that appropriate tools are available to the police and Security Service for the protection of national security.There are no plans at this time to re-introduce control orders. Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIMs) give the Security Service and police powerful measures to help manage the risk posed. They provide some of the most restrictive measures available in the democratic world. TPIMs have been endorsed by the courts, counter-terrorism reviewers, the police, and the Security Service. The police and Security Service believe TPIMs reduce the national security risk posed by those subject to them.We also have a range of other measures available. These include: stringent conditions during any post-release licence period; notification requirements for terrorist offenders, which only last year the Government strengthened; and Serious Crime Prevention Orders, which were extended to terrorist offenders last year and provide the police with strengthened powers to manage terrorists on their release.Last week we also announced that we are considering whether new legislation is required to provide additional assurance when terrorist offenders are released from prison.We will do everything we can to protect the public.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Stuart C McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the number of (a) applications and (b) different individual applicants there have been to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Brandon Lewis: There have been more than three million applications to the EU Settlement Scheme according to the latest internal management information.The milestone was reached less than a year after the scheme was fully launched to the public, with more than 2.7 million people already granted status. The Home Office publishes regular statistics relating to the EU Settlement scheme on a monthly basis and more detailed statistics each quarter, the latest edition being released 6th February,The EU Settlement Scheme is designed to make it straightforward for EU citizens and their family members to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.To apply they only need to complete three key steps – prove their identity, show that they live in the UK and declare any criminal convictions.Our initial analysis of applications suggest that repeat applications currently represent less than two per cent of applications. This is a small percentage of the over 3 million applications we have received. We will continue to investigate this number and plan to report further as part of our regular statistical publications.

Fraud

Alex Chalk: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to increase resources for (a) Action Fraud and (b) the police for the (i) investigation and (ii) prosecution of fraud.

Brandon Lewis: The Home Office has commissioned Sir Craig Mackey QPM to carry out a review of Serious and Organised Crime (SOC), including fraud. The review is considering powers, capabilities, governance and effectiveness of funding across policing and wider law enforcement. It is due to report by the end of February 2020.

Attorney General

Rape: Prosecutions

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Attorney General, how the additional £85 million for the Crown Prosecution Service will be spent; and if he will take steps to make an assessment of the effect of that additional funding on the number of prosecutions taken forward for the offence of rape.

Michael Ellis: Theadditional £85 million for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will be spentover two financial years; £5 million in 2019-20 and £80 million in 2020-21. Thisinvestment will enable the CPS to respond effectively to the expected increasein caseload resulting from the recruitment of 20,000 new police officers; tobetter meet their disclosure obligations; to work with investigators to pursueall reasonable lines of inquiry; and to deliver much needed changes to externalcounsel fees. Investing in the CPS to meet these pressures is essential forjustice to be served.   Theadditional resources for disclosure will support the development of strongercases, including rape offences.

Cabinet Office

Elections: Proof of Identity

Mr David Davis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure that the introduction of voter identification cards does not affect an individual's civil rights.

Chloe Smith: Voter ID is part of a body of work this Government is delivering to strengthen the integrity of our electoral system and give the public confidence that our elections are secure and fit for the 21st century.Electors will be required to show an approved form of photographic ID before casting their vote in a polling station across Great Britain at national UK-wide elections, and at local elections in England.The list of approved photographic ID will not be limited to passports and driving licences, a broad range of documents already in use will be accepted, including, for example, concessionary travel passes, PASS scheme cards, Ministry of Defence identity cards and photocard parking permits issued as part of the Blue Badge scheme.Any voter who does not have an approved form of ID will be able to apply, free of charge, for a local elector ID from their local authority.The provision of local elector ID will be the exception rather than the norm, evidenced by the published evaluations of the pilots:https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/our-views-and-research/our-research/voter-identification-pilots/may-2019-voter-identification-pilot-schemes/our-findings https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/819404/2019_Voter_ID_Pilots_Evaluation.pdf

Sovereignty: Scotland

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the process is for an independent Scotland to (a) secede from the UK and (b) accede to the EU; and if he will make a statement.

Chloe Smith: Scotland had an independence referendum in 2014 which was legal, fair and decisive. People in Scotland voted by a significant margin to remain part of the UK on a promise this was a “once in a generation” vote. The UK Government is committed to respecting and upholding that result.Now that the UK Government has delivered on the democratic decision to leave the EU, this Government will ensure that 2020 is a year of growth and opportunity for Scotland and the whole of the UK.

Offshore Funds

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the use of offshore accounts by government decision makers; and whether additional risk controls or mitigations are put in place where the use of offshore accounts by those individuals is identified.

Oliver Dowden: I refer the Hon. member to the response which I gave to PQ 12393 on Monday 10 February. All public office holders are expected to comply with the law as it applies to offshore banking activity.

Government Departments: Interserve

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many contracts Interserve holds with central government departments; and (a) with which departments and (b) for what duration those contracts are held.

Jeremy Quin: Central Government contracts above £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder, including details of the department awarding the contract and the duration of the contract. (https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk)

Government Departments: Interserve

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many Interserve contracts held with central government departments recognise a trade union for staff.

Jeremy Quin: This information is not held centrally.

Treasury

Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on compensation for people who lost money due to the closure of Equitable Life.

John Glen: In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed. However, on the topic of compensation and the Equitable Life Payment Scheme, I would refer the Hon Member for Portsmouth South to the answer I gave on 13 January 2020.

Tax Avoidance

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to ensure taxpayers are adequately informed of the implications of Disclosure of tax avoidance schemes (DOTAS) registration; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: Under the Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Scheme (DOTAS) regime introduced in 2004, promoters of a tax scheme are required to notify HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) where a scheme contains various hallmarks of tax avoidance. Once notified, HMRC send the promoter a Scheme Reference Number (SRN) to give to any user of the scheme. Users must then include the reference number on their tax return. This helps identify users to HMRC for possible investigation. Since 2009 promoters have been required to inform their clients that disclosure under DOTAS does not represent approval of the scheme by HMRC. Employers involved in disguised remuneration schemes and promoters are legally obliged to inform their employees and clients via forms AAG7 or AAG6. Both forms AAG6 and AAG7 make it absolutely clear that the recipient is involved in a disclosed tax avoidance scheme, that the scheme is not HMRC approved, and that DOTAS registration means the recipient is likely to be investigated for tax avoidance by HMRC.Failure to inform clients carries a penalty of £5,000 per failure for promoters, and up to the same amount per employee, for employers. Further information about forms AAG6 and AAG7 is available at the links below: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/491693/AAG6_10_15.pdf; https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/491713/AAG7_10_15.pdf

Employment

Damian Hinds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what figures are available from HMRC's (a) Real Time Information data or (b) other data sources on the average wage at which previously unemployed people move into employment.

Jesse Norman: Unfortunately, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) do not hold sufficient information on unemployment within the Real-Time Information (RTI) system or other datasets. Therefore, HMRC are not able to provide information on previously unemployed persons.

Payroll Deduction Scheme

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to stop the promotion of payroll loan schemes.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Independent Loan Charge Review, published in December 2019, what steps his Department is taking to tackle (a) people and (b) companies that promoted payroll loan schemes.

Jesse Norman: The Government and HMRC are determined to continue to tackle promoters of tax avoidance schemes. In December 2019 the Government announced in its response to the Independent Loan Charge Review further measures to tackle promoters of avoidance schemes, measures will reduce the scope for promoters to market tax avoidance schemes. The Government will: • Ensure HMRC can more effectively issue stop notices to promoters to make it harder to promote schemes that do not work; • Prevent promoters from abusing corporate entity structures that sell schemes to avoid their obligations under the Promoters of Tax Avoidance Scheme (POTAS) rules; • Ensure HMRC can obtain information about the enabling of abusive schemes as soon as they are identified, and enabler penalties are felt without delay when a scheme has been defeated at tribunal; • Ensure that HMRC can act decisively where promoters fail to provide information on their avoidance schemes; and • Make further technical amendments to the POTAS regime so that it continues to operate effectively and to ensure that the General Anti Abuse Rule (GAAR) can be used to counteract partnerships as intended. Further detail on these measures will be set out at the Budget.

Tax Avoidance

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Independent Loan Charge Review, published in December 2019, how many people will be required to pay the 2019 Loan Charge in the event that the Government implements the recommendations of that review.

Jesse Norman: Of the estimated 50,000 individuals affected by the loan charge, the Government currently estimates that around 11,000 will be taken out of the loan charge altogether. In addition, individuals who have settled or are settling their tax liability with HMRC will be out of scope of the charge. There is not yet a firm estimate of the number who will choose to settle and so be out of scope of the loan charge.

Air Passenger Duty: Northern Ireland

Carla Lockhart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of Air Passenger Duty on route development at airports in Northern Ireland.

Mr Simon Clarke: The government established a technical working group to explore the operational and legal challenges to changing APD in Northern Ireland.Members include representatives from industry, experts, and civil servants from both the UK government and Northern Ireland. Additionally, HM Treasury is currently reviewing Air Passenger Duty to ensure regional connectivity is strengthened while meeting the UK’s commitment to meet net zero emissions by 2050.

Border Delivery Group

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what changes there will be to meetings of the Border Delivery Group between February 2020 and 31 December 2020.

Jesse Norman: The Border Delivery Group will continue to have regular engagement with representatives from the border industry throughout 2020. The frequency and nature of these meetings will be regularly reviewed to reflect the changing priorities of the border industry.

Alcoholic Drinks: Excise Duties

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps he is taking to support UK drinks manufacturers following the removal of post duty point dilution.

Mr Simon Clarke: The upcoming changes to discourage post duty point dilution are intended to bring the wine category into alignment with the rules affecting other alcoholic products. UK drinks manufacturers have been given over 18 months’ notice to adapt their business models. However, the Treasury keeps all taxes under review, including their impact on drink manufacturers.

Cash Dispensing

Peter Kyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure access to cash is maintained in (a) Brighton and Hove and (b) England.

John Glen: The Government is committed to supporting digital payments while safeguarding access to cash for those who need it across the UK. To support this, the Government has launched the Joint Authorities Cash Strategy (JACS) Group – which is chaired by HM Treasury and brings together the Payment Systems Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority and Bank of England – to ensure a comprehensive oversight of the UK’s overall cash infrastructure. The Government-established Payment Systems Regulator regulates LINK, the scheme that runs the UK’s largest ATM network, and is holding LINK to account over their commitments to maintain the broad geographic spread of free-to-use ATMs.

Gatwick Express Railway Line

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on reducing the price of off-peak Gatwick Express tickets between Brighton and London to the cost of a Southern ticket during the upgrade work to Gatwick airport railway station when Southern off-peak services from London Victoria will not run direct to or from Brighton; and if he will make a statement.

Rishi Sunak: Network Rail is upgrading Gatwick Airport station to improve passenger experience and provide more reliable journeys for the 20 million passengers who travel to the airport by train every year. The industry is developing a passenger handling plan for the duration of the Gatwick Airport station improvement works. In addition to this, the government has taken action, alongside Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), to extend the Super Off-Peak and Kids for £2 Southern fare products to be eligible on Gatwick Express services from Brighton.

EU Budget: Contributions

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the schedule is of payments to the EU under terms of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Jesse Norman: The OBR’s most recent estimate of the financial settlement, taking account of Article 50 extension to 31st October 2019, estimated that the vast majority of payments (85%) will be made by 2025. The OBR will publish an updated forecast at the Budget. The Government’s objective is to publish information that gives an accurate and comprehensive picture of the financial settlement including, for example, forecast payments to and receipts from the EU. As part of this, the Government presents to Parliament each year the European Union Finances statement, and the 2018 version includes an annex devoted to EU withdrawal and detailed information on the financial settlement. The Government will continue to produce the EU Finances statement now that we have left the EU.

*No heading*

Jo Gideon: What fiscal steps he is taking to help give people the skills they need for the jobs of the future.

Mr Simon Clarke: We are increasing funding for Further Education by £400 million in 2020-21, recognising the sector’s vital role in delivering the skills people and businesses need. Funding of £2.5 billion is also available for high-quality apprenticeships this year, and our manifesto has committed £3bn for a new National Skills Fund to transform the lives of people who lack qualifications, are keen to return to work, or want to switch careers.

*No heading*

Mr Richard Holden: What steps he is taking to ensure equity of funding to help deliver productivity growth throughout the north of England.

Mr Simon Clarke: We will level up opportunity to ensure every region and nation benefits from growth. I will set out further detail at the Budget including the publication of the National infrastructure Strategy, which will detail the Government’s plan to transform the UK’s infrastructure. This will build on the £3.6 billion Towns Fund supporting places across our regions, including 45 Town Deals in the Northern Powerhouse.

*No heading*

Wera Hobhouse: What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the adequacy of funding for sixth form students.

Rishi Sunak: Treasury ministers regularly speak to Secretaries of State and Junior Ministers on all matters of public spending. We will continue these conversations, including on Further Education funding, as we approach the next Comprehensive Spending Review. At the 2019 Spending Round we announced a £400 million extra for 16-19 funding in 2020-21. This is the biggest increase in a year for a decade, recognising the vital role of this sector in delivering the skills needed in the UK.

*No heading*

Nickie Aiken: What steps he is taking to ensure that the level of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy is (a) equitable and (b) proportionate.

John Glen: The FSCS is an independent non-governmental body. It operates within the rules set by the FCA and the PRA, who are also independent from government. The FSCS levy is set annually, within the overall levy limits set by the FCA and PRA. It is for the FCA and PRA to consider the impact of the levy on the firms they regulate. The Government has no role in setting the levy.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

National Citizen Service Trust: Pay

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what the pay differential is between the highest and lowest paid employees of the National Citizen Service Trust.

Helen Whately: As of 31 January 2020, the upper band of NCS Trust salaries was between £140-145k and lower band is £15-20k.

Broadband

Alan Brown: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the roll-out of gigabit-capable broadband by 2025; and if he will make a statement.

Matt Warman: Government has pledged £5 billion to support the rollout of gigabit-capable networks to the hardest to reach parts of the country. In addition, the Government’s £200m Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme is already supporting rollout of gigabit broadband in rural areas. This funding will be targeted at the premises where we do not expect operators to commercially invest, to ensure that no part of the country will be left behind.In addition to this, £49m of funding for the Wave 3 Local Full Fibre Networks project has been successfully bid for since the last budget. This is on top of the previously announced £53m million of funding.We expect that the rest of the UK will get gigabit capable networks through private investment. Therefore, rather than fund rollout in commercially viable areas with public money, we are focusing on breaking down barriers to deployment in order to enable faster rollout by the private sector operators. For example, we have recently introduced the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill into Parliament, which will make it easier for network builders to access blocks of flats where there is an absent or unresponsive landlord.

Broadband

Alan Brown: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what comparative assessment he has made of average broadband download speeds in the UK against those in (a) EU countries and (b) other countries throughout the world; and if he will make a statement.

Matt Warman: According to Ofcom’s May 2019 UK Home Broadband Performance report, average download speeds increased by 18% in 2018 to 54.2 mbps. This demonstrates the growing availability and take-up of superfast broadband in the UK. In comparing the UK to other EU countries, the latest data from the 2019 Digital Society and Economy Index (DESI) report by the European Commission shows that the UK ranked seventh out of 28 EU countries for the availability of superfast broadband. The UK also compares well to countries outside of the EU for superfast availability.

Broadband

Alan Brown: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when he plans to publish the (a) funding, (b) timescales and (c) other details of the delivery programme for gigabit-enabled broadband; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Brown: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he plans to publish an update to the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review document, published July 2018.

Matt Warman: The Government is implementing a number of reforms to make it easier for the private sector to deploy gigabit capable broadband as quickly as possible, building on the recommendations of the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review. For example, the Government recently introduced the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill into Parliament, which will make it easier for operators to connect leasehold properties to gigabit broadband where the landlord repeatedly fails to respond to requests from operators to access the property. In the Queen’s Speech, the Government also announced it will legislate to ensure new build homes have the infrastructure to support gigabit capable connections by requiring housing developers to work with broadband companies to install these connections in virtually all new build homes, up to a cost cap. In addition to commercial delivery by the private sector, the Government has announced £5bn of funding to deliver faster broadband in the hardest to reach areas of the UK. The Department is currently consulting with industry on the delivery programme and will announce further details on this programme, and other reforms to support private sector deployment, in due course.

Broadband

Alan Brown: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many households in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) England are connected to full fibre broadband.

Alan Brown: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many households in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) England have not yet been connected to full fibre broadband.

Matt Warman: According to Ofcom's 'Connected Nations' report, full-fibre broadband coverage for residential premises was at 10% for the whole of the UK, as of September 2019. This was 8% for Scotland , 12% for Wales and 10% for England. The Government has made clear its ambition for nationwide gigabit broadband as quickly as possible.

Internet: Safety

Jim Shannon: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when the Department plans to respond to the consultation entitled, Online Harms White Paper, published in April 2019.

Matt Warman: We intend to respond to the Online Harms White Paper consultation shortly.

UK Safer Internet Centre: Finance

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Minister of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of directly funding the UK Safer Internet Centre.

Matt Warman: The UK Safer Internet Centre receives funding from European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility programme. Under the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK will continue to participate in programmes funded under the current 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework until their closure. The government recognises the work the UK Safer Internet Centre delivers on online safety. Officials regularly engage with the Centre, including on its funding position following the UK’s exit from the EU.

Youth Investment Fund

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Answer of 22 October 2019 to Question 311, what progress her Department has made on the design of the Youth Investment Fund; and when the final details of that fund will be published.

Helen Whately: The new £500m Youth Investment Fund will start in 2020/21 and run over five years. This investment will be a balance of capital and revenue funding. The capital funding will build 60 more youth centres, refurbish 360 existing centres, and 100 mobile centres for harder to reach areas across the country, which will deliver high quality services to young people. The revenue funding will support the provision and coordination of high-quality youth services and positive activities for young people, building on the investment provided by the £7m Youth Accelerator Fund which launched on 30th January 2020. The Youth Investment Fund is being designed in close consultation with young people, the organisations that work with them, and other departments. We will publish further details on the design of the Youth Investment Fund in due course.

Third Sector

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Answer of 23 October 2019 to Question 676, on Third Sector, what progress his Department has made on extending the use of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 through the joint programme between his Department and the Cabinet Office.

Helen Whately: Government remains committed to ensuring social outcomes can be delivered through the government's commercial activities. The roll-out of a comprehensive training and implementation plan for central government commercial staff is now underway. The Office for Civil Society in DCMS is also supporting Claire Dove, the Crown Representative for the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sectors on engaging civil society sector bodies on supplier readiness plans.

Third Sector

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Answer of 23 October 2019 to Question 672, on Third Sector, when his Department plans to publish its response to the public consultation on the future definition of public service mutuals, which closed on 18 October 2019.

Helen Whately: The response to the public consultation on the future definition of public service mutuals will be published in due course.

Third Sector

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Answer of 23 October 2019 to Question 670, on Third Sector, what recent progress his Department has made on establishing the responsible business leadership group.

Helen Whately: The Department, together with BEIS, has continued with the work outlined in the response provided to Question 670. We are consulting with stakeholders from business and civil society, and are conducting research and engaging with academic institutions to gather information on specifically what questions the Group should seek to answer. The Department is also giving further consideration to the relationship of the Group to other business councils, particularly in light of the Government’s new priorities, to ensure that the Group is complementary to these. The Secretary of State will make an announcement about the formation of the Group in due course.

Third Sector

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Answer of 23 October 2019 to Question 665, on Third Sector, what further progress his Department has made on establishing a cross-government group.

Helen Whately: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 11 February 2020.The correct answer should have been:

Government recognises the need to work with the civil society sector to establish principles of effective civil society involvement in the policy-making process. My officials have started to scope a programme of work and the details of this will be set out in due course.

Helen Whately: Government recognises the need to work with the civil society sector to establish principles of effective civil society involvement in the policy-making process. My officials have started to scope a programme of work and the details of this will be set out in due course.

Third Sector

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Answer of 23 October 2019 to Question 663, on Third Sector, what recent progress his Department has made on renewing the Government's commitment to the principles of the Compact.

Helen Whately: Government recognises the importance of working together with the civil society organisations to support them, maintain their independence and involve them in policy making. My officials have started to scope a programme of work and the details of this will be set out in due course.

Third Sector

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Answer of 23 October 2019 to Question 662 on Third Sector, whether the first round of Local Access programme funding has been released; and what five places will receive that funding.

Helen Whately: Big Society Capital and The Access Foundation announced the six places will receive funding: Bradford; Bristol; Gainsborough; Greater Manchester (Bolton, Oldham, Stockport and Wigan); Hartlepool, Redcar & Cleveland; and Southwark in London. The six partnerships will now begin a co-design process with Access and Big Society Capital to refine the detail of their enterprise development and investment plans with an expectation that the first place based programmes will launch in the second part of 2020. A small amount of grant funding will be released to assist with the co-design phase.

Youth Centres: Closures

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate her Department has made of the number of youth centres that have closed in (a) Lewisham Deptford, (b) Lewisham borough, (c) London and (d) the UK  in each year since 2010.

Helen Whately: The data concerning the number of youth service centres that have closed in (a) Lewisham Deptford, (b) Lewisham borough, (c) London and (d) the UK in each year since 2010 is not held by my Department. It is the responsibility of local authorities to allocate funding for local services, in line with local need. Individual local authorities would be best placed to advise on any changes there have been to the number of youth centres in their local area.

Loneliness: West Midlands

Mr Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle loneliness in the West Midlands.

Helen Whately: Government’s first annual report on tackling loneliness was published in January 2020. It highlighted the progress made so far across the country, including in the West Midlands. This includes: action by frontline workers across the public sector to recognise and act on loneliness; the launch of the Let’s Talk Loneliness campaign; the commitment to include measures in the Public Health Outcomes Framework so we can understand local rates of loneliness; and the announcement of an additional £4m of grant-funding, in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund, to help frontline grassroots organisations that bring people together. The report also highlighted the good work of the 126 projects supported through the £11.5m Building Connections Fund to bring people and communities together. 14 grants, totalling £1.2million, have been made to projects in the West Midlands. This includes grants to the Chell Area Family Action Group to appoint volunteer social isolation champions to work with the people most at risk of loneliness and to Edward’s Trust to create and support a compassionate community of bereaved young people.

Cinemas: Hearing Impairment

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of facilities in cinemas for deaf children and young people that require subtitles.

Nigel Adams: The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that the cinema experience is accessible to as wide a range of people as possible, including the deaf and hard of hearing. We welcome steps taken by industry, including the UK Cinema Association's Technology Challenge Fund, to explore solutions to enable this, for example through specially adapted glasses. We also welcome the fact that the National Deaf Children's Society are advisors on this project.

Housing: Broadband

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 5 February 2020 to Question 10373 on Housing: Broadband, what steps he is taking to ensure that the legislative proposals on buildings regulations will enable householders to have a choice of provider.

Matt Warman: We have not yet announced the content of the legislation to deliver gigabit-capable connections to new build developments. We are working with key industry stakeholders to finalise the policy and will publish the Government consultation response, including a full outline of the proposed legislation, in the Spring. However, Government recognises the importance of consumer choice and market competition. Although we are clear the mechanisms for delivering this are primarily a matter for Ofcom we believe that existing regulations allow for network sharing and access between operators. In addition, The Electronic Communications Code and The Communications (Access to Infrastructure) Regulations 2016 give operators the right to access land and existing infrastructure.

Women and Equalities

Employment: Mental Illness

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in protecting the rights of people with mental health conditions in the work place.

Victoria Atkins: The Equality Act 2010 contains strong protections against discrimination on grounds of disability and many mental health conditions will meet the Act’s definition of disability, meaning people with those conditions are protected from direct and indirect discrimination and harassment arising from their disability; and the victimisation provisions ensure that complaints can be brought without fear of adverse repercussion. This protection applies in the workplace and covers both employees and job applicants.Beyond these core protections, tackling mental health issues in the workplace is a priority for the Government, and we are committed to legislate so that patients suffering from mental health conditions, including anxiety or depression, have greater control over their treatment and receive the dignity and respect they deserve.Legislation is not the only solution however. It is important that employers make efforts to understand the issue of mental health and how they can help their staff manage such problems while doing their jobs. In November 2018, the Health and Safety Executive published updated guidance in this regard, which is available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/mental-health

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Elections

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what plans the Government has to put forward a candidate for the elections to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in 2020.

Victoria Atkins: This Government is fully committed to fulfilling its obligations under this important Convention and recognises the important role the CEDAW Committee plays in holding States Parties to account in implementing the treaty.A range of factors are considered before making a decision on whether to nominate a candidate for a UN body such as CEDAW. It is also important to highlight that CEDAW Committee members serve in their personal capacity and do not represent the Member State that nominated them. This Government has full faith in the independence of the Committee and applaud the high quality of its work.After careful consideration, the Government will not be nominating a candidate for the 2020 CEDAW Committee election. However, as with all UN bodies, the Government will carefully consider whether to nominate a UK representative for future vacancies which will arise to the Committee.

Shipping: Crew

Cat Smith: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2020 to Question 7222 Offshore Industry: Discrimination, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on his proposed review of regulations on the treatment of seafarers.

Victoria Atkins: The provisions of The Equality Act 2010 (Work on Ships and Hovercraft) Regulations 2011 are a matter for the Secretary of State for Transport. Officials from the Government Equalities Office are however liaising with those in the Department for Transport on the forthcoming review.

Equal Pay: LGBT People

Dawn Butler: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to tackle the LGBT+ pay gap.

Victoria Atkins: The Government does not collect data differentiating the pay between LGBT people and non-LGBT people and this data is not widely collected by employers.

EnAble Fund for Elected Office: Expenditure

Marion Fellows: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, how much funding the Government Equalities Office has (a) allocated to and (b) spent on the EnAble Fund since the launch of that fund.

Victoria Atkins: The interim EnAble Fund for Elected Office was set up to cover scheduled elections between December 2018 and March 2020. It has an allocated budget of £330,000 of which £103,000 has been spent.

EnAble Fund for Elected Office: Applications

Marion Fellows: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, how many applications to the EnAble fund have been (a) received and (b) approved from applicants in (i) Scotland, (ii) Wales, (iii) Northern Ireland and (iv) England since the launch of that fund.

Victoria Atkins: The interim EnAble Fund for Elected Office was set up to cover scheduled elections between December 2018 and March 2020.The EnAble Fund does not cover elections in Wales or Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own separate fund, the Access to Elected Office Fund Scotland, to support disabled candidates.For the 2019 English Local elections the Fund received 46 applications, with 41 grants approved for disabled candidates.